Phylogeny of Apaturinae Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome OxidaseⅠ Gene

The phylogenetic relationships of genera in the subfamily Apaturinae were examined using mtDNA sequence data from 1,471 bp of cytochrome oxidase subunit Ⅰ （COI）. The mitochondrial COI gene from a total of 16 species in 11 genera were sequenced to obtain mtDNA data, along with those of 4 species obtained from GenBank, to construct the MP and the NJ trees using Athyma jina, Penthema adelma, Polyura nepenthes, and Charaxes bernardus as outgroups. The transitions at the third codon positions of the COI data set were found saturated, but they were retained for analysis, because they contain the majority of the phylogenetic information. The impacts of equal weight assumptions for all characters in the parsimonious analysis were assessed by potential alternations in clades in response to different transition/transversion weighting schemes. The results indicated four distinct major groups in Apaturinae. Moreover, several well supported and stable clades were found in the Apaturinae. The study also identified undetermined taxon groups whose positions were weakly supported and were subject to changes under different weighting schemes. Within the Apaturinae, the clustering results are approximately identical to the classical morphological classification. The mtDNA data suggest the genus Mimathyma as a monophyletic group. Lelecella limenitoides and Dilipa fenestra have close relationship with very strong support in all phylogenetic trees. It also supports the taxonomic revision of removing several species from Apatura to other genera, namely Mimathyma schrenckii, M. chevana, M. nycteis, Chitoria subcaerulea, C. fasciola, C. pallas, and Helcyra subalba.

Development and Clinical Application of a Single-tube Nested PCR Method to Amplify the DNA Polymerase Ⅰ Gene of Treponema Pallidum

Objective: To develop a sensitive, specific and simple method for detection of extremely low numbers of T. pallidum in clinical specimens, as a significant addition to the serologic tests for syphilis diagnosis. Methods: Double-tube nested PCR(DN-PCR) and single-tube nested PCR(SN-PCR) assays were performed to amplify specific fragments of the DNA poly-merase I gene(polA) of T. pallidum. Sensitivity and specificity of the two PCR assays were tested. Eighty-six whole blood specimens from persons with suspected syphilis were detected by the two nested PCR methods. The TPPA test was used as a comparison for detecting syphilis in sera from corresponding patients. Results: Only specific amplicons could be obtained during amplification of the T. pallidum polA gene and the detection limit was approximately 1 organism when analyzed on gel by the two PCR methods. Of 86 clinical specimens, 62 were positive by TPPA. Of these, 54 and 51 were positive by the DN-PCR and SN-PCR, respectively, which does not represent a statistically significant difference between the two PCR tests. Of 24 TPPA-negative specimens, 5 were positive by both DN-PCR assay and SN-PCR assay. Conclusion: The SN- polA PCR method is extremely sensitive, specific and easy to perform for detecting low numbers of T. pallidum in clinical blood specimens as a complementary to serology for syphilis diagnosis.

Genetic Diversity of MHC Gene and Molecular Phylogeny in Wanbei Cattle

[Objective] To investigate the genetic diversity, molecular phylogeny and origination in Wanbei cattle. [Methedl Blood samples were collected from 50 Wanbei cattle and 14 local cattle breeds. According to the bovine MHC gene sequence, one pair of primers was designed and used for PCR amplification. The sequences of amplified MHC genes were aligned to detect MHC haplotypes and nucleotide polyrnorphisms. A phy- Iogenetic tree based on the MHC gene was also constructed. [Result] A total of 24 polymorphic loci covering 7.86% of the entire length of the se- quences and seven MHC haplotypes were detected. Among these polymorphic loci, there were 18 transitions, 1 tranversions and 5 transition / tran- version. The difference in nucleotide sequence was 0.26% -4.53% between the haplotypes. The nucleotide diversity （π value） and haplotype di- versity （H） were 0.012 - 0.019 and 0.602 - 0.617, respectively. [ Conclusion ] Wanbei cattle do not have rich MHC genetic diversity. They have closer aenetic relationship with Luxi cattle, and both are within the same sister group.

Exploring the interplay of T cell receptor-V gene copy numbers and major histocompatibility complex selection pressure in avian species:Insights into immune system evolution and reproductive investment

Birds,a fascinating and diverse group occupying various habitats worldwide,exhibit a wide range of life-history traits,reproductive methods,and migratory behaviors,all of which influence their immune systems.The association between major histocompatibility complex(MHC)genes and certain ecological factors in response to pathogen selection has been extensively studied;however,the role of the co-working molecule T cell receptor(TCR)remains poorly understood.This study aimed to analyze the copy numbers of TCR-V genes,the selection pressure(ωvalue)on MHC genes using available genomic data,and their potential ecological correlates across 93 species from 13 orders.The study was conducted using the publicly available genome data of birds.Our findings suggested that phylogeny influences the variability in TCR-V gene copy numbers and MHC selection pressure.The phylogenetic generalized least squares regression model revealed that TCR-Vαδcopy number and MHC-I selection pressure were positively associated with body mass.Clutch size was correlated with MHC selection pressure,and Migration was correlated with TCR-Vβcopy number.Further analyses revealed that the TCR-Vβcopy number was positively correlated with MHC-IIB selection pressure,while the TCR-Vγcopy number was negatively correlated with MHC-I peptide-binding region selection pressure.Our findings suggest that TCR-V diversity is significant in adaptive evolution and is related to species’life-history strategies and immunological defenses and provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying TCR-V gene duplication and MHC selection in avian species.

Allelic Polymorphism,Gene Duplication and Balancing Selection of MHC Class ⅡB Genes in the Omei Treefrog(Rhacophorus omeimontis)

The worldwide declines in amphibian populations have largely been caused by infectious fungi and bacteria. Given that vertebrate immunity against these extracellular pathogens is primarily functioned by the major histocompatibility complex（MHC） class Ⅱ molecules, the characterization and the evolution of amphibian MHC class Ⅱ genes have attracted increasing attention. The polymorphism of MHC class Ⅱ genes was found to be correlated with susceptibility to fungal pathogens in many amphibian species, suggesting the importance of studies on MHC class Ⅱ genes for amphibians. However, such studies on MHC class Ⅱ gene evolution have rarely been conducted on amphibians in China. In this study, we chose Omei treefrog（Rhacophorus omeimontis）, which lived moist environments easy for breeding bacteria, to study the polymorphism of its MHC class Ⅱ genes and the underlying evolutionary mechanisms. We amplified the entire MHC class ⅡB exon 2 sequence in the R. omeimontis using newly designed primers. We detected 102 putative alleles in 146 individuals. The number of alleles per individual ranged from one to seven, indicating that there are at least four loci containing MHC class ⅡB genes in R. omeimontis. The allelic polymorphism estimated from the 102 alleles in R. omeimontis was not high compared to that estimated in other anuran species. No significant gene recombination was detected in the 102 MHC class ⅡB exon 2 sequences. In contrast, both gene duplication and balancing selection greatly contributed to the variability in MHC class ⅡB exon 2 sequences of R. omeimontis. This study lays the groundwork for the future researches to comprehensively analyze the evolution of amphibian MHC genes and to assess the role of MHC gene polymorphisms in resistance against extracellular pathogens for amphibians in China.

Analysis of Rb gene Xba Ⅰ polymorphism in Shaanxi aged atherosclerosis population

Objective:To investigate variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism of the 17th intron of Rb gene in Shaanxi aged population and the relationship between the polymorphism of Rb gene and atherosclerosis(AS) genetic suscepti- bility. Methods: VNTR polymorphism of the 17th intron of Rb gene were examined in 100 Shaanxi aged AS patients and 100 Shaanxi aged control individuals by PCR-Rb-Xba Ⅰ-RFLP. Results::Two alleles were found both in AS group and control group, which were separately 945 bp(S1) and 630bp + 315bp(S2). S1S2 genotype was the most frequent one in the two populations. Significant difference in allele frequency was not found between AS group and control group, and allele frequency was no significant difference between Chinese and Caucasian. Conclusion: Xba Ⅰ enzyme site of Rb gene could have been certainly stable in AS population, and it was inferred that the polymorphism locus was not liable to cause mutation, which might not implicated in the formation of AS.

The gene diagnosis and mutation survey of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease Ⅰ

Objective: To explore gene diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD Ⅰ ),and to look for the typical mutation in order to improve the gene diagnosis. Metbods: southern blot and PCR wasused to observe the mutation condition of 3' end single copy region of ADPKD Ⅰ gene ; Amplifying and analyzingthe microsatellite SM7 by PCR. Results: ①After the probe AH4 was hybridized with 16 patients' genomic DNAby Southern blot, the common 15 kb fragments were found in every one; ②For 27 patients, 5. 72 kb genomicDNA, which is between the probe AH4 and JH14, was amplified by PCR, and no 5. 5 kb genomic DNA deletionwas found in this region; SM7 was amplified in lO9 health persons, its PIC was 0.76, and was closely linked towith ADPKD Ⅰ gene in three patient families. Conclusion: In Han nation, ①No large genomic DNA segmentdeletion could be found frequently in ADPKD Ⅰ gene 3' end single copy region; ②The PIC of SM7 is high, it canbe used to make rapid gene diagnosis in about 70% ~80% ADPKD Ⅰ families.

Establishment of a Real-time Fluorescent Quantitative RTPCR Method for Detecting NP Gene of Class Ⅰ Newcastle Disease Virus(NDV)

Newcastle disease( ND) is one of the most serious infectious diseases that infect the poultry industry.There is only one serotype of Newcastle disease virus( NDV),but NDVs can be divided into two distinct classes( class Ⅰ,and class Ⅱ) according to their genetic relationship.To develop a method for rapid quantitative detection of class Ⅰ NDV,a pair of primers and a TaqM an probe were designed and synthesized according to the conservative sequence of NP gene of class Ⅰ NDV.The positive recombinant plasmid harboring NP gene of JS-18-05 isolate was used as a positive template to establish the standard curve.A real-time fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR method was established for rapid detection of class Ⅰ NDV with strong specificity,high sensitivity and good repeatability.The established method exhibited a good linear relationship within the concentration of 102 to 108 copies of NDV,by which 1 μl of 10 copy of NDV nucleic acid could be detected in the initial template.Compared with conventional virus isolation methods,the established method had similar sensitivity and led to the same results in detecting33 class Ⅰ,class Ⅱ NDV isolates.The study provided the basis for rapid quantitative detection of class Ⅰ NDVs and further clarification of their pathogenicity and pathogenic mechanism in poultry.

Inhibition of α_1(Ⅰ) collagen gene in vitro transcription by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides

Objective and Methods: Excessive accumulation of collagen typeⅠ and type Ⅲ causes the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars. To understand the mechanism by which antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (Oligo) acts on in vitro transcrption α1 (I) collagen gene, isotopes (α-32pGTP) was incorporated into 2 SP6 in vitro transcription systems. Results and Conclu- sion: Oligo 2 (at the transcription start region) could effectively inhibit in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col13 and the control (random oligodeoxynucleotides) showed no inhibition. However, oligo 1 (at the transcription start region) obviously inhibited the in vitro transcription of pGEM3-Col14, while Oligo 2, which targeted at the down stream region (about 200 bp) of the promoter showed no significant inhibition effect.

The SNPs C.513A>T in the MHC B-F gene and rs15001532 in the SPOCK1 gene are associated with Salmonella pullorum disease resistance in chickens

supported by the Earmarked Fund for the Modern Agroindustry Technology Research System, China （CARS-41）;the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China （2011AA100301）

Contruction of the Genetic Engineering Strain Expressed Nontoxic ST_1-LT_B Fusion Protein Against Enterotoxigenic Eschenichia coli

Thermostable enterotoxinⅠ(ST1) mutant genes and thermolabile enterotoxin B subunit (LTB)genes were amplified by PCR from plasmids of Eschenichia coli C83902. The recombinantexpression plasmid pZST3LTB containing ST1-LTB fusion gene was constructed by recombinantDNA technique and then transformed into Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The ST1-LTB fusionprotein was highly expressed in recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZST3LTB) and the fusionprotein was about 38.53% of total cellular protein by SDS-PAGE and thin-layer gelscanning analysis. More important, mice immunized with crude preparation containing thefusion protein inclusion bodies or inactivated recombinant strain produced antibodiesthat were able to recognize ST1 in vitro. These sera antibodies were able to neutralizethe biological activity of native ST1 in the suckling mouse assay. Hence the ST1-LTBfusion protein was nontoxic and immunogenic, the constructed recombinant strain BL21(DE3)(pZST3LTB) could be used as a candidate of vaccine strain.

The Genetic Structure and Diversity of Repomucenus curvicornis Inhabiting Liaoning Coast Based on Mitochondrial COⅠ Gene and Control Region

[Object] This study was conducted to explore the genetic diversity and structure of the wild Repomucenus curvicornis inhabiting Liaoning Coast, China. [Method] The mitochondrial COⅠ gene and control region（CR） were PCR amplified from the wild R. curvicornis populations from the Liaodong Bay（n=22） and the northern Yellow Sea（n=18）, sequenced and analyzed for genetic diversity. [Result] The contents of A, T, C and G of 624 bp COⅠ gene were 24.09%, 31.04%, 25.28%, and 19.59%, and those of 460 bp CR fragment were 32.96%, 32.80%, 14.86% and 19.38%, respectively. The total number of variable sites, average number of nucleotide differences（ k）, haplotype diversity（H） and nucleotide diversity（π） based on COⅠ gene were 38, 4.67,（0.96±0.02） and（0.007 5±0.004 2）, and those based on CR fragment were 26, 3.35,（0.97 ±0.02） and（0.007 3±0.004 3）, respectively. Based on mitochondrial COⅠ gene and CR, the genetic diversity of Liaodong Bay population was lower than that of the northern Yellow Sea population. The AMOVA analysis based on CR fragments revealed almost significant genetic divergence between the Liaodong Bay and the northern Yellow Sea populations, while there was no significant genetic divergence based on COⅠ gene. The results showed that CR and COⅠ gene are effective molecular markers for detecting the genetic diversity of R. curvicornis population, while CR is more reliable than COⅠ gene in detecting the genetic structure. [Conclusion] CR is an appropriate marker for genetic analysis of marine fish population.

The Truncated Gene cfaD′ Positively Regulates CFA/Ⅰ Expression of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

The gene cluster cfaABCED’ of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, encoding the fimbriae which is called colonization factor antigen located on a plasmid. It is positively regulated by cfaR, a member of the AraC family, and the cfaD’ gene region, which is located downstream of cfaE and is homologous to cfaR, had been described as a truncated cryptic gene. In the present study we observed that the CFA/ fimbriae subunit, cfaB, was expressed in lower amount by the cfaABCED’ clone pNTP513 in host E. coli HB101. The expression of CFA/ diminished by deletion of cfaD’ gene region from pNTP513, and was restored by acquisition of cfaD’ in trans. Furthermore, CFA/ expression by cfaD’ deletion mutant, the cfaABCE clone, was remarkably increased by the presence of cfaD’ in trans in a topoisomerase A deficient strain of E. coli DM800. These data suggest that cfaD’ region is a functional region of gene, that regulates the CFA/ expression with cfaR by unknown mechanism.

Association of Polymorphisms in Angiotensin-converting Enzyme and Type 1 Angiotensin Ⅱ Receptor Genes with Coronary Heart Disease and the Severity of Coronary Artery Stenosis

To explore the relation of angiotensin-converting enzyme （ACE） and angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor （AT1R） gene polymorphism with coronary heart disease （CHD） and the severity of coronary artery stenosis, 130 CHD patients who underwent coronary angiography were examined for the number of affected coronary vessels （≥75% stenosis） and coronary Jeopardy score. The insertion/deletion of ACE gene polymorphism and AT1R gene polymorphism （an A→C transversion at nucleotide position 1166） were detected by using polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） in CHD patients and 90 healthy serving as controls. The resuits showed that DD genotype and of ACE were more frequent in CHD patients than that in control group （38.5% vs 14.4%, P〈0.001）. The frequency of the ATIR A/C genotypes did not differ between the patients and the controls （10% vs 13.1%, P〉0.05）. The relative risk associated with the ACE-DD was increased by AT1R-AC genotype. Neither the number of affected coronary vessels nor the coronary score differed among the ACE I/D genotypes （P〉0.05）. But the number of affected coronary vessels and the coronary score were significantly greater in the patients with the AT1R-AC genotype than in those with the AA genotype （P〈0.05）. In conclusion, DD genotype may be risk factor for CHD and MI in Chinese people, and is not responsible for the development of the coronary artery stenosis. The AT1R-C allele may increase the relative risk associated with the ACE-DD genotype, and may be involved in the development of the stenosis of coronary artery.

ANTITUMOR EFFECT OF INTRATUMORAL INJECTION OF LIPOSOME-ENCAPSULATED G-CSF GENE AND IN SITU BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TREATED TUMOR CELLS

This word was supported by grant from Military Medical Research Foundation of china (96z032). ** To whom correspondence and requests for reprints should be addressed. This is one of papers of the special issue on gene therapy research (Chin J Cancer Res Vol. 9 No. 4 December, 1997). In order to investigate the antitumor effects of the in vivo G CSF gene therapy mediated by liposome and its mechanisms, human G CSF gene was encapsulated into liposome and was directly injected into tumor mass of C 26 colon adenocarcinoma bearing mice. After direct intratumoral injection of liposome encapsulated G CSF DNA, the subcutaneous tumor growth was dramatically inhibited and the survival time was prolonged signifi cantly. Tumor regression could be observed in about 30% of C 26 bearing mice. By the analysis of the antitumor mechanisms, we found that anti G 418 (600ug/ml) clone could be selected from the tumor cells freshly separated from the treated C 26 tumor mass, and secretion of G CSF in the supernatant could be detected. Northern blot also confirmed the expression of hG CSF by the tumor cells. Higher expressions of MHC class I(H 2k d) molecule and ICAM 1 on the tumor cells could be observed. The results demonstrated that liposome can effectively transfect G CSF gene into tumor cells in situ , and then increase the immunogenicity of the tumor cells which may contribute to the activation of the local antitumor immune responses effectively.

Cryptic species composition and genetic diversity within Bemisia tabaci complex in soybean in India revealed by mtCOI DNA sequence

Bemisia tabaci is a cryptic species complex, causing signiifcant loss on many agricultural y important crops worldwide. Knowledge on species composition and diversity within B. tabaci complex is critical for evolving sustainable pest management strategies. Here we investigate the whitelfy species complex in soybean in major soybean growing states of India. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit-1 (mtCOI) based phylogenetic relationships established using Bayesian methods indicated the existence of three cryptic species namely Asia I, Asia II 1, and Asia II 7. Al the haplotypes detected in the study could be assigned to these three cryptic species fol owing the species demarcation criteria of 3.5%divergence threshold. Of these, Asia II 1 was found to be predominant with wide spread distribution across the surveyed regions from cool temperate zones to hot and humid tropical plains. On the contrary, cryptic species Asia II 7 showed localized distribu-tion. The Asia II 1 exhibited the highest haplotype diversity and Asia I showed high level of nucleotide diversity. There was a signiifcantly high genetic differentiation among these three cryptic species. The MEAM 1, a dreadful invasive species was not detected in the specimens tested in the current study. The diversity and distribution of three cryptic species is discussed in the light of current knowledge on distribution of whitelfy species in India and yel ow mosaic disease observed during sampling survey.

Micro Gene Sys公司开展疫苗试验

上周,用 MicroGenSys 公司(康涅狄格州)研制的 AIDS 疫苗在新的一类病人(即早期 HIV阳性个体)上进行了试验,这类病人感染后不产生发病征状。这项Ⅰ期临床研究正在这里的Walter Reed 军事医疗中心进行着。该中心情报官员 Paul Klein 说。

POLYMORPHISM OF ANGIOTENSIN I TYPE 1 RECEPTOR GENE IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH ESSENTIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective To detect the A/C1165 polymorphism of angiotensin Ⅱ type Ⅰ receptor (AT1-R)gene in essential hypertensive elderly. Methods The A/C1166 polymorphism of AT1-R gene was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in a case-control study of 87 essential hypertensive elders (EH) and 55 normolensive elders (NT). Results The genotype frequencies of AA, AC, CC were 0 .805 , 0.161, 0 .034 in EH group and 0 .927 ,0 .073 ,0 .000 in NT group respectively. The frequency of C61166 allele was higher in EH group (0.115) than in NT group (0 .036 )(P<0 .05 ). Conclusion The resultsindicate that A/C1166 polymorphism of AT1-R gene may be associated with essential hypertension in elderly.

Between Scylla and Charybdis:The role of the human immune system in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)frequently elicits only mild immune responses so that it can often establish chronic infection.In this case HCV antigens persist and continue to stimulate the immune system.Antigen persistence then leads to profound changes in the infected host’s immune responsiveness,and eventually contributes to the pathology of chronic hepatitis.This topic highlight summarizes changes associated with chronic hepatitis C concerning innate immunity(interferons,natural killer cells),adaptive immune responses(immunoglobulins,T cells,and mechanisms of immune regulation(regulatory T cells).Our overview clarifies that a strong anti-HCV immune response is frequently associated with acute severe tissue damage.In chronic hepatitis C,however,the effector arms of the immune system either become refractory to activation or take over regulatory functions.Taken together these changes in immunity may lead to persistent liver damage and cirrhosis.Consequently,effector arms of the immune system will not only be considered with respect to antiviral defence but also as pivotal mechanisms of inflammation,necrosis and progression to cirrhosis.Thus,avoiding Scylla-a strong,sustained antiviral immune response with inital tissue damage-takes the infected host to virus-triggered immunopathology,which ultimately leads to cirrhosis and liver cancerthe realm of Charybdis.

MHC-Ⅱ联合MHC-Ⅰ免疫组化染色在特发性炎性肌病诊断中的应用价值探讨

目的探讨主要组织相容性复合体(MHC)-Ⅱ联合MHC-Ⅰ免疫组化染色在特发性炎性肌病(IIM)诊断中的应用价值。方法收集2010年3月至2018年4月在首都医科大学宣武医院神经内科行肌肉活检患者的标本29份,并通过医院电子病历系统收集患者的临床资料,包括4种IIM[皮肌炎(DM)5例,多发性肌炎(PM)5例,散发性包涵体肌炎(IBM)4例及坏死性自身免疫性肌病(NAM)5例]和2种非炎性肌病(NIM)[肌营养不良(MD)5例,dysferlinopathy肌病5例]。将标本进行苏木精-伊红(HE)染色及MHC-Ⅰ、MHC-Ⅱ免疫组化染色。结果免疫组化染色结果显示,PM、DM及IBM患者肌肉标本MHC-Ⅰ阳性率达100.0%,NAM和MD患者肌肉标本MHC-Ⅰ阳性率为80.0%,dysferlinopathy肌病患者肌肉标本MHC-Ⅰ阳性率为20.0%。PM和IBM患者肌肉标本MHC-Ⅱ阳性率分别为40.0%、50.0%,其余类型疾病患者肌肉标本的MHC-Ⅱ免疫组化染色均呈阴性。结论相较于MHC-Ⅰ免疫组化染色,MHC-Ⅱ免疫组化染色在鉴别IIM与NIM中有较高的特异性。MHC-Ⅱ联合MHC-Ⅰ免疫组化染色对不同肌病类型的诊断有较好的临床应用价值。