Vanillylacetone attenuates cadmium chloride-induced hippocampal damage and memory loss through upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 gene and protein expression

Memory loss and dementia are major public health concerns with a substantial economic burden.Oxidative stress has been shown to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of hippocampal damage-induced memory impairment.To investigate whether the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound vanillyla cetone(zingerone) can protect against hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by cadmium chloride(CdCl_(2)) administration in rats,we explo red the potential involvement of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signaling pathway,which is known to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation.Sixty healt hy male Wistar rats were divided into five groups:vehicle-treated(control),vanillylacetone,CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2),vanillylacetone+ CdCl_(2)+ brusatol(a selective pharmacological N rf2inhibitor) groups.Vanillylacetone effectively attenuated CdCl_(2)-induced damage in the dental gyrus of the hippocampus and improved the memory function assessed by the Morris Water Maze test.Additionally,vanillylacetone markedly decreased the hippocampal tissue levels of inflammatory biomarkers(interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,intracellular cell adhesive molecules) and apoptosis biomarkers(Bax and cleaved caspase-3).The control and CdCl_(2)-treated groups treated with va nillylacetone showed reduced generation of reactive oxygen species,decreased malondialdehyde levels,and increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione activities,along with significant elevation of nuclear Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression in hippocampal tissue.All the protective effects of vanillylacetone we re substantially blocked by the co-administration of brusatol(a selective N rf2 inhibitor).Va nillylacetone mitigated hippocampal damage and memory loss induced by CdCl_(2),at least in part, by activating the nuclear transcription factor Nrf2.Additionally,vanillylacetone exerted its potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory actions.

Association of Haplotypes in Exon 4 of KLK2 Gene with Raised Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen

The standard diagnostic modalities for Prostate Cancer (PC) include serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) assay, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and histological examination of prostate biopsy. They are limited by low predictive potential and inability to predict which patients are at risk of developing metastatic disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the exon 4 of the KLK2 gene of subjects for changes in its nucleotide sequences (SNPs) and determine the correlation of these changes with serum PSA in an Igbo population of Nigeria. One hundred male subjects aged 40 years and above, who gave their consent, were used for the study. Their PSA determinations were done using ELISA technique while genetic studies were carried out using real-time PCR. tPSA, fPSA, and % fPSA of the subjects ranged between 0.8% - 18.30%, 0.10% - 1.60% and 0.0% - 0.7% respectively. Of the 100 subjects, 28 subjects had tPSA levels above 4.0 ng/ml with a mean of 7.10 (±3.30) ng/ml. Those with tPSA less than 4 ng/ml had a mean of 1.87 (±0.85) ng/m. 15 subjects showed SNPs with a mean tPSA of 6.87 (±4.82) ng/ml while the remaining 85 subjects without SNPs had a mean of 1.86 (±0.80) ng/ml. Results from direct DNA sequencing showed 11 SNPs. Ten subjects are curated in SNP database while one is uncurated. The Chi-square test showed significant association (p = 0.00) between tPSA levels and SNPs mutation (X2 = 17.35, p = 0.00). A Kruskal-Wallis test demonstrated that the positional arrangement of the SNP mutations had no effect on PSA-total or free-values (H (10) = 10.92, p = 0.28;H (10) = 10.07, p = 0.38 respectively). Two SNPs: rs6072 and rs74478031 were associated with elevated PSA levels (p < 0.05). Their presence, therefore, has the potential to serve, in conjunction with raised PSA, as biomarkers of prostate cancer in the study population.

Co-existing squamous cell carcinoma and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations:A case report

BACKGROUND Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia(CMML),a rare clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by myelodysplastic syndrome and myeloproliferative neoplasms,has a generally poor prognosis,and easily progresses to acute myeloid leukemia.The simultaneous incidence of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors is extremely low,and CMML coinciding with lung malignancies is even rarer.Here,we report a case of CMML,with ASXL1 and EZH2 gene mutations,combined with non-small cell lung cancer(lung squamous cell carcinoma).CASE SUMMARY A 63-year-old male,suffering from toothache accompanied by coughing,sputum,and bloody sputum for three months,was given a blood test after experiencing continuous bleeding resulting from a tooth extraction at a local hospital.Based on morphological results,the patient was diagnosed with CMML and bronchoscopy was performed in situ to confirm the diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the lower lobe of the lung.After receiving azacitidine,programmed cell death protein 1,and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs,the patient developed severe myelosuppression and eventually fatal leukocyte stasis and dyspnea.CONCLUSION During the treatment and observation of CMML and be vigilant of the growth of multiple primary malignant tumors.

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene controls tooth root development in coordination with formation of the periodontium

Formation of the periodontium begins following onset of tooth-root formation in a coordinated manner after birth. Dental follicle progenitor cells are thought to form the cementum, alveolar bone and Sharpey＇s fibers of the periodontal ligament （PDL）. However, little is known about the regulatory morphogens that control differentiation and function of these progenitor cells, as well as the progenitor cells involved in crown and root formation. We investigated the role of bone morphogenetic protein-2 （Bmp2） in these processes by the conditional removal of the Bmp2 gene using the Sp7-Cre-EGFP mouse model. Sp7-Cre-EGFP first becomes active at E18 in the first molar, with robust Cre activity at postnatal day 0 （PO）, followed by Cre activity in the second molar, which occurs after P0. There is robust Cre activity in the periodontium and third molars by 2 weeks of age. When the Bmp2gene is removed from Sp7＋ （Osterix＋） cells, major defects are noted in root, cellular cementum and periodontium formation. First, there are major cell autonomous defects in root-odontoblast terminal differentiation. Second, there are major alterations in formation of the PDLs and cellular cementum, correlated with decreased nuclear factor IC （Nfic）, periostin and α-SMA＋ cells. Third, there is a failure to produce vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGF-A） in the periodontium and the pulp leading to decreased formation of the microvascular and associated candidate stem cells in the Bmp2-cKOsp7-cre＇EGFe. Fourth, ameloblast function and enamel formation are indirectly altered in the Bmp2-cKOsp7-cre＇EGFe. These data demonstrate that the Bmp2 gene has complex roles in postnatal tooth development and periodontium formation.

Effects of Mitofusin-2 Gene on Cell Proliferation and Chemotherapy Sensitivity of MCF-7

In order to evaluate the effect of mitofusin-2 gene （mfn2） on proliferation and chemotherapy sensitivity of human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7 in vitro, pEGFPmfn2 plasmid carrying full length of mitofusin-2 gene was transfected, by using sofast, into MCF-7 cells. Mitofusin-2 gene expression in MCF-7 cells transfected by sofast after 48 h was detected by PCR and Western blotting, and the stable expression of GFP protein in MCF-7 cells by Western blot analysis. The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was assayed by MTT and cell counting. By using PI method, the effects of mfn2 on the cell cycle distribution of MCF-7 were measured. Annexin-Ⅴ/PI double labeling method was employed to detect the changes in apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutics before and after transfection. The results showed that the MCF-7 cells transfected with mfn2 gene could stably and highly express GFP protein. MTT assay revealed that after transfection of mfn2 cDNA, the proliferation of MCF-7 cells was significantly inhibited. DNA histogram showed that cells arrested in S phase, and the percentage of S phase cells was 42.7, 17.2 and 19.6 in mfn2 cDNA transfection group, blank plasmid transfection group and blank control group, respectively （P〈0.05）. The apoptosis ratio of the cells transfected with mfn2 gene was increased from 3.56% to 15.95%, that of the cells treated with camptothecin （CAMP） followed by mfn2 gene transfection was 69.6%, and that in blank plasmid transfection group and blank control group was 31.0% and 23.4% respectively （P〈0.05）. It was suggested that transfection of mfn2 gene could significantly inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and promote their sensitivity to CAMP with a synergic effect.

Generation of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene knockout pigs by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene targeting

Unbalanced brain serotonin(5-HT) levels have implications in various behavioral abnormalities and neuropsychiatric disorders. The biosynthesis of neuronal 5-HT is regulated by the rate-limiting enzyme, tryptophan hydroxylase-2(TPH2). In the present study, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated(Cas) system was used to target the Tph2 gene in Bama mini pig fetal fibroblasts. It was found that CRISPR/Cas9 targeting efficiency could be as high as 61.5%, and the biallelic mutation efficiency reached at38.5%. The biallelic modified colonies were used as donors for somatic cell nuclear transfer(SCNT) and 10 Tph2 targeted piglets were successfully generated. These Tph2 KO piglets were viable and appeared normal at the birth.However, their central 5-HT levels were dramatically reduced, and their survival and growth rates were impaired before weaning. These Tph2 KO pigs are valuable large-animal models for studies of 5-HT deficiency induced behavior abnomality.

Association of the Common Genetic Variant Upstream of INSIG2 Gene with Obesity Related Phenotypes in Chinese Children and Adolescents

Objective To study the association between the rs7566605 variant of INSIG2 and obesity-related phenotypes in Chinese children and adolescents. Methods The study sample consisted of two independent cohorts of Chinese children and adolescents. Anthropometric indices, lipids, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin and percentage of fat mass were determined. PCR with restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was performed for genotyping the rs7566605 variant. Results In each of the two independent cohorts, no significant association was observed between rs7566605 and obesity under additive, dominant or recessive model. We also did not detect any difference in the genotype frequency between all the obese children and controls. Furthermore, we did not find evidence of an association between body composition indices and metabolic phenotypes in all children. However, the triglyceride level of CC homozygotes was significantly higher than that of GG＋GC genotypes in obese children （P=0.022）. Additionally, we observed a non-significant trend of severe obesity in a post-hoc test. Conclusion INSIG2 rs7566605 variant is not associated Chinese childhood obesity in two independent cohorts. Further study is needed to verify the effect of rs7566605 on triglyceride in obese children.

Expression and Chromosomal Mapping of Mouse Gpx2 Gene Encoding the Gastrointestinal Form of Glutathione Peroxidase, GPX-GI

GPX-GI is a cytosolic tetrameric Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase, similar in properties to GPX-1. Unlike the almost ubiquitous GPX-1, GPX-GI is mainly expressed in the epithelium of gastrointestinal tract. GPX-GI contributes to at least fifty percent of GPX activity in rodent small intestmal epithelium. The total GPX activity consists of at least 70% of selenium-dependent GPX activity in this compartment.By analyzing a panel of mouse mterspecies DNA from the Jackson Laboratory's backcross resource,we mapped Gpx2 gene to mouse chromosome 12 between D12Mit4 and D12Mit5, near the Ccs1 locus which contains a colon cancer susceptibility gene. A pseudogene, Gpx2-ps is mapped to mouse chromosome 7.Comparison of Gpx2 gene expression in three pairs of C57BL/6Ha and ICR/Ha mice which are respectively resistant and sensitive to dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer, we found a higher Gpx2 mRNA level in C57BL/6Ha colon than ICR/Ha colon. Interestingly, a lower level of GPX activity is found in the resistant strain of mice. Because GPX-1 has three times higher specific activity than GPX GI, our data suggest that the decreased GPX activity may result from a higher level of Gpx2 gene expression in those cells co-express GPx1 gene

Correlation between ECT2 gene expression and methylation change of ECT2 promoter region in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is closely related to epigenetic abnormality. The epithelial cell transforming sequence 2 gene (ECT2) plays a critical role in Rho activation during cytokinesis, and thus may play a role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we investigated the relationships between aberrant expression and epigenetic changes of the ECT2 gene in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: Four cell lines (PANC-1, Colo357, T3M-4 and PancTu I) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tissues were used for mRNA detection. After restriction isoschizomer endonucleases (Msp I/Hpa II) were used to digest the DNA sequence (5'-CCGG-3'), PCR was made to amplify the product. And RT-PCR was applied to determine the expression of the gene. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of the ECT2 gene was higher in pancreatic tumor tissue than in normal tissue. The gene was also expressed in the 4 PDAC cell lines. The methylation states of the upstream regions of the ECT2 gene were almost identical in normal, tumor pancreatic tissues, and the 4 PDAC cell lines. Some of the 5'-CCGG-3' areas in the upstream region of ECT2 were methylated, while others were unmethylated. CONCLUSIONS: The oncogene ECT2 is overexpressed in pancreatic tumor tissues as verified by RT-PCR detection. The methylation status of DNA in promoter areas is involved in the gene expression, along with other factors, in pancreatic cancer.

Polymorphism analysis of PARK2 gene mutations in Han Chinese patients with early-onset Parkinson's disease

The PARK2 gene is a common disease gene in Han Chinese patients with Parkinson＇s disease.The detection of mutations in the PARK2 gene remains low.To investigate the role PARK2 gene mutations play in the pathogenesis of Parkinson＇s disease,30 Han Chinese patients with early-onset Parkinson＇s disease and 38 normal controls were studied to determine the sequence changes of 1,4,6 and 7 exon sections.In the 30 patients with Parkinson＇s disease,a heterozygous intron mutation（nt 119,G→G/A）in exon 1 was detected in one case;a homozygous intron mutation（nt 526500,T→C）between intron 3 and exon 4 in fourteen cases was found;a heterozygous intron mutation（nt 526607,G→G/A）between intron 3 and exon 4 was observed in eight cases;an exon 6missense mutation（nt 754317,C→C/T;codon 193,CGG→CGG/TGG;aa 193,Arg→Arg/Trp）in three cases was seen;and an exon 7 missense mutation（nt 941943,C→A/C;codon 272,CTC→CTC/ATC;aa 272,Leu→Leu/lle）was found in one case.These changes were not found in the normal population.The results indicated that the PARK2 exons 6 and 7 mutations are possibly pathogenic mutations,along with the intron 3-exert 4 and exon 1 mutations.PARK2 gene mutations are possible factors leading to the onset of Parkinson＇s disease.

Genetic Variants in the ELOVL5 but not ELOVL2 Gene Associated with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Han Chinese Breast Milk

The present study was designed to examine the contributions of the fatty acid elongase （ELOVL） gene polymorphisms to the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids （PUFAs） in breast milk. Two hundred and nine healthy Han Chinese mothers were included in the study. Carriers of minor alleles of SNPs （rs2397142 and rs9357760） in ELOVL5 were associated with higher levels of linoleic acid （LA）, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid （DGLA）, arachidonic acid （AA）, docosatetraenoic acid （DTA）, docosahexenoic acid （DHA）, while in rs209512 of ELOVL5 the carriers of minor alleles had lower levels of DTA compared to major homozygote alleles （P ranged from 0.004-0.046）, and genetically explained variability ranged from 3.2% for eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） to 6.0% for LA. Our findings demonstrated that common variation in ELOVL5 gene encoding rate-limiting enzymes in the metabolism of PUFAs contribute to the PUFAs in breast milk.

Genetic Diversity of Recurrent Selection Populations with Ms2 Gene Assessed by Gliadins in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The male-sterile lines with Ms2 gene were highly evaluated in recurrent selection in wheat （Triticum aestivum L.）. Three populations C6 （population after six cycles of selection）, C7 （population after seven cycles of selection）, and C8 （population after eight cycles of selection） were constructed through recurrent selection with 12 parental materials （P）. Acid polyacrymide gel electrophoresis （A-PAGE） analysis was used to identify gliadin patterns and evaluate the genetic diversity in 12 parents and three populations. A total of 63 bands were identified, of which 17 polymorphic bands and 7 unique bands were present in populations and seven polymorphic bands and four unique bands were present in parents. The number of polymorphic and unique bands decreased gradually from C6 to C8, especially for to- and y-gliadins. The genetic distances in C6, C7, and C8 were calculated. The distributions of genetic distance were different in three recurrent selection populations. From C6 to C8, the genetic distance was 0.2687, 0.2652 and 0.1987, respectively. Statistically significant differences were detected between C7 and C8 with the T value of 37.9718. The result of cluster analysis based on genetic similarity matrix of three populations fitted well to those of principle coordinates analysis （PCoA）. Compared with 12 parents, almost all individuals of three populations are new genotypes. Most of the individuals from C6 and C7 could be divided into two groups, while most individuals of C8 were in one cluster. In conclusion, the results indicated that the genetic diversity was decreased severely according to the information revealed by A-PAGE, although some variations could be created in the recurrent selection. It was necessary to introduce diverse germplasm based on the genetic database of recurrent population to maintain and improve the breeding efficiency in the further program.

Molecular diagnosis of 5α-reductase-2 gene mutation in two Indian families with male pseudohermaphroditism

Aim： To identify the genotype of two Indians with male pseudohermaphroditism. Methods： Standard radioimmunoassay procedure was used for estimating hormonal levels. Conventional cytogenetic analysis was carded out for diagnosing the genetic sex in these subjects with genital ambiguity. Molecular analysis was carried out by standard polymerase chain reaction procedure using different sets of primers and reaction conditions specific for the 5α- reductase type 2 gene （SRDSA2） gene. Direct sequencing was carried out using the ABI Prism dye terminator sequencing kit and the ABI 310 sequencing apparatus. Results： We found an SRDSA2 gene mutation in exon 5, where arginine is substituted with glutamine （R246Q）, in two males with pseudohermaphroditism and ambiguous genitalia from unrelated families. This is the first time this mutation has been reported in individuals from India. Conclusion： Identification of the R246Q mutation of the SRDSA2 gene from two unrelated Indian families possibly extends the founder gene effect.

Transgenic Rape with hrf2 Gene Encoding Harpin_(Xooc) Resistant to Sclerotinia sclerotinorium

The objective of this study was to increase the resistance of rape using the method of transformation. The gene hrf2 derived from Xathomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola encoding harpinxooc protein was constructed into transgenic vector pCAMBIA1301. The cotyledonal petiole segments from rapeseed variety Yangyou 4 were infected by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404/pCAMBIA1301-hrf2. Hygromycin-resistant green shoots were obtained. Successful integration of the foreign gene into the genome of the rapeseed variety Yangyou 4 was confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR, and β-glucuronidase analyses. Disease bioassays of transgenic plants revealed an improved resistance of transgenic plants to Rape sclerotiniose. In brief, the hrf2 gene can be transferred into rape using the method of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, which increased the resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotinorium in the transgenic plant.

Correlation between the Polymorphism of PPARγ-2 gene and the Susceptibility of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Guangxi Bama Mini-pigs

[ Objective] The research aimed to discuss the relationship between the polymorphism of PPARy.2 gene and the susceptibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs. [ Method] 24 Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were fed with high-fat and high-sucrose diet, and partial sequences of exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene were amplified by using PCR method. In addition, the contents of fasting blood glucose and insulin （INS） in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were determined, and the glucose tolerance test （GTT） was also carried out. [ Result] There was one SNP site （19813A/G） Jn partial sequence of exon 2 of the cloned PPAFly-2 gene, and AA （7 pigs） and AG （17 pigs） genotype were detected. The contents of fasting insulin and 60-min blood glucose in GTT in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs were significantly higher than those of AA genotype （ P 〈0.05）, while the incidence of T2DM in AG-genotype Guangxi Bama mini-pigs （71.4%） was obviously higher than that of AA gen- otype （5.9%）. [ Conclusion] The polymorphism of 19813A/G in exon 2 of PPARy-2 gene was related with the susceptibility of T2DM in Guangxi Bama mini-pigs.

Congenital muscular dystrophy caused by beta1,3-Nacetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 gene mutation:Two case reports

BACKGROUND Mutations in the beta1,3-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2(B3GALNT2)gene can lead to impaired glycosylation ofα-dystroglycan,which,in turn,causes congenital muscular dystrophy(CMD).The clinical phenotypes of CMD are broad,and there are only a few reports of CMD worldwide.CASE SUMMARY This report describes the cases of two children with CMD caused by B3GALNT2 gene mutation.The main manifestations of the two cases were abnormal walking posture,language development delay,and abnormal development of the white matter.Case 2 also had unreported symptoms of meningocele and giant arachnoid cyst.Both cases had compound heterozygous mutations of the B3GALNT2 gene,each containing a truncated mutation and a missense mutation,and three of the four loci had not been reported.Nineteen patients with CMD caused by B3GALNT2 gene mutation were found in the literature.Summary and analysis of the characteristics of CMD caused by B3GALNT2 gene mutation showed that 100%of the cases had nervous system involvement.Head magnetic resonance imaging often showed abnormal manifestations,and more than half of the children had eye and muscle involvement;some of the gene-related symptoms were self-healing.CONCLUSION B3GALNT2 gene can be used as one of the candidate genes for screening CMD,cognitive development retardation,epilepsy,and multiple brain developmental malformations in infants.

Analysis of Genetic Variation of VP2 Gene in 6 FPV Strainsin China

In order to understand the variation of FPV strains in the Jinan area, Shandong Province, China, the VP2 gene of 6 FPV strains was sequenced, and the analysis of the genetic relationship, evolution and main functional site variation was carried out. It was found that FPV-XY2, FPV-XY3 and FPV-XY6 were the same strain with 100% homology, and also close to FPV-XY1, and the homology between FPV-XY4 and FPV-XY5 was close. The homology between the reference strain and the test strain was over 99.3%. According to the evolutionary analysis, the genetic relationship among FPV-XY1, FPV-XY2, FPV-XY3, FPV-XY6 was close, and the genetic relationship between FPV-XY4 and FPV-XY5 was close, and the result was similar to the homologous result. Compared with the VP2 amino acid sequence of the standard strain FPV-CU4, the VP2 protein of all the test strains changed from I to t on the 101st Amino acid, this may be the cause of immune failure in these 6 cases;the change of a to s in the 91st amino acid position of FPV-XY1, FPV-XY2, FPV-XY3, FPV-XY6 may be the cause of enhanced virulence of FPV. This study provides a reference for exploring the epidemic law of FP in the Jinan area, the standard of FP treatment plan and the research and development of FPV subunit vaccine.

Bcl-2 GENE REARRANGEMENT DETERMINED BY PCR AS AMEAN TO DETECT MINIMAL RESIDUAL DISEASE INMALIGNANT LYMPHOMAS

Objective: To develop a sensitive method to detect minimal residual disease and to elucidate the significance of bcl-2 gene rearrangement in diagnosis and treatment of malignant lymphoma. Methods: Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bcl-2 gene rearrangement and using serial dilution method to define the sensitivity of PCR. Results: In 9 different malignant lymphoma cell lines, Su-DHL-4 and Su-DHL-6 were shown bcl-2(MBR)/JH rearrangement, the sensitivity of PCR was 1:105. In 16 patients with follicular lymphoma, the peripheral blood and bone marrow were PCR positive in 4 cases both at initial diagnosis and after complete remission. Conclusion: Detection of bcl-2 gene rearrangement by PCR provides a sensitive and specific assay of minimal residual disease. It is helpful to improve staging of disease, prognosis and evaluation of the treatment results.

Association of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 Gene with Skeletal Traits in Chickens

Bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2） plays a key role in bone formation and maintenance. BMP-2 can stimulate longitudinal bone growth by increasing the growth plate chondrocyte proliferation, hypertrophy, and cartilage matrix synthesis. The current study was designed to investigate the associations of the BMP-2 gene polymorphism with chicken skeletal traits. Northeast Agricultural University F2 resource population was used in this study. Body weight and body composition traits were measured in F2 population. Polymorphism between parental lines was detected by DNA sequencing, and PCR-fragment length polymorphism method was then developed to screen the population. The results showed that the BMP-2 gene polymorphism was associated with skeletal traits in F2 population. This research suggests that BMP-2 gene may be a candidate locus or linked to a major gene that affects skeletal traits in chickens.

Excessive ammonia inhibited transcription of MsU2 gene and furthermore affected accumulation distribution of allantoin and amino acids in alfalfa Medicago sativa

In legume plants, uricase gene （Nodulin-35） plays a positive role in metabolism of ureide and amide compounds in symbiotic nitrogen-fixing in the nodules. In this study, a pot experiment was performed to examine the effects of ammonium application on the transcription of MsU2 gene and distribution of major nitrogen compounds in alfalfa Medicago sativa. Data showed that alfalfa plant has a significant difference in contents of nitrogen compounds in xylem saps compared with soybean plant, and belongs to typical amide type legume plants with little ureide accumulation, and the accumulation of asparagines and ureide in the tissues of alfalfa is mainly gathered in the nodules. Northern blotting showed that excessive ammonium significantly inhibited the transcription of MsU2 gene in the nodules and roots, and mRNA accumulation of MsU2 gene in the plants exposed to excessive ammonium decreased gradually with culture time extension, indicating that application of ammonium significantly inhibited the transcription of MsU2 gene in the alfalfa plants. Although the application of exces- sive ammonium increased the contents of amino acids in various tissues of alfalfa, the accumulation of allantoin reflecting the strength of uricase activity is remarkably reduced in the xylem saps, stems and nodules when alfalfa plants exposed to excessive ammonium, suggesting that application of excessive ammonium generated a negative effect on symbiosis fixing-nitrogen system due to inhibition of ammonium ion on uricase activity in the nodules of alfalfa. This result seems to imply that application of excessive ammonium in legume plants should not be proposed to avoid affecting the ability of fixing nitrogen in the nodules of legume plants, and reasonable dose of ammonium should be recommended to effectively utilize the fixed N from atmosphere in legume plant production.