An efficient method for constructing a random insertional mutant library for forward genetics in Nannochloropsis oceanica

Insertional mutation,phenotypic evaluation,and mutated gene cloning are widely used to clone genes from scratch.Exogenous genes can be integrated into the genome during non-homologous end joining(NHEJ)of the double-strand breaks of DNA,causing insertional mutation.The random insertional mutant library constructed using this method has become a method of forward genetics for gene cloning.However,the establishment of a random insertional mutant library requires a high transformation efficiency of exogenous genes.Many microalgal species show a low transformation efficiency,making constructing random insertional mutant libraries difficult.In this study,we established a highly efficient transformation method for constructing a random insertional mutant library of Nannochloropsis oceanica,and tentatively tried to isolate its genes to prove the feasibility of the method.A gene that may control the growth rate and cell size was identified.This method will facilitate the genetic studies of N.oceanica,which should also be a reference for other microalgal species.

Interaction between diet and genetics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Marangoni et al,published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastroenterology 2023;29:5618-5629,about“Diet as an epigenetic factor in inflammatory bowel disease”.The authors emphasized the role of diet,especially the interaction with genetics,in promoting the inflam-matory process in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients,focusing on DNA methylation,histone modifications,and the influence of microRNAs.In this editorial,we explore the interaction between genetics,gut microbiota,and diet,in an only way.Furthermore,we provided dietary recommendations for patients with IBD.The Western diet,characterized by a low fiber content and deficiency the micronutrients,impacts short-chain fatty acids production and may be related to the pathogenesis of IBD.On the other hand,the consumption of the Mediter-ranean diet and dietary fibers are associated with reduced risk of IBD flares,particularly in Crohn’s disease(CD)patients.According to the dietary guidance from the International Organization for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases(IOIBD),the regular consumption of fruits and vegetables while reducing the consumption of saturated,trans,dairy fat,additives,processed foods rich in maltodextrins,and artificial sweeteners containing sucralose or saccharine is recommended to CD patients.For patients with ulcerative colitis,the IOIBD recommends the increased intake of natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids and follows the same restrictive recommendations aimed at CD patients,with the possible inclusion of red meats.In conclusion,IBD is a complex and hetero-geneous disease,and future studies are needed to elucidate the influence of epigenetics on diet and microbiota in IBD patients.

Research Progress of Epigenetics in Liver Cancer

Epigenetic changes are changes in gene expression by regulating gene transcription and translation without changing the nucleotide sequence of the genome. Although the genome itself changes during the occurrence and development of most malignant tumors, recent studies have found that epigenetic changes also play an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. Epigenetic modification mainly includes DNA methylation, histone modification and miRNA regulation. This review focuses on the role and mechanism of epigenetic modification in the occurrence, metastasis and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and summarizes the latest methods for the treatment of HCC by restoring dysregulated epigenetic modification. It provides a theoretical basis for revealing the pathogenesis of liver cancer and developing new methods of diagnosis and treatment.

A Theory of Bio-Quantum Genetics

The physical mechanism of heredity or inheritance of genes is a quantum mechanical and/or quantum computational process. A theory of bio-quantum genetics is established in this paper. Principle of Bio-quantum Genetics is suggested. I propose and define the soft-genes of genetics controlling the processes of heredity or inheritance of genes. This research deals with the quantum mechanisms of Mendel plant heredity and family inheritance as examples of bio-quantum genetics, deepening our understanding of heredity or inheritance. I believe that more contributions will be made to promote researches of bio-quantum genetics or quantum biology at large.

Molecular phylogenetics and population demographic history of Amphioctopus fangsiao,inferred from mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA markers

Amphioctopus fangsiao(Cephalopoda:Octopodidae)is an important commercial species in the coastal waters of China.In recent years,however,the resource of A.fangsiao have declined because of habitat destruction and overfishing.To analyze the genetic variations of A.fangsiao caused by the fluctuation of resources,the population genetic structure of nine sampling locations collected from the Bohai Sea to the South China Sea were investigated,using mtDNA COI fragments and microsatellite DNA.The results of F-statistics,AMOVA,STRUCTURE and PCA analyses showed three phylogeographic clades(Clades A,B and C),revealing limited genetic exchange between north and south populations.These clades diverged in 2.23(Clades A and B)and 3.67(Clades A,B and C)million years ago,during the dramatic environmental fluctuations,such as sea level and temperature changes,have exerted great influence on the survival distribution pattern of global organisms.Our results for low genetic connectivity among A.fangsiao populations provide insights into the development of management strategies,that is,to manage this species as separate management unit.

Causal genetic regulation of DNA replication on immune microenvironment in colorectal tumorigenesis: Evidenced by an integrated approach of trans-omics and GWAS

The interplay between DNA replication stress and immune microenvironment alterations is known to play a crucial role in colorectal tumorigenesis,but a comprehensive understanding of their association with and relevant biomarkers involved in colorectal tumorigenesis is lacking.To address this gap,we conducted a study aiming to investigate this association and identify relevant biomarkers.We analyzed transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of 904 colorectal tumor tissues and 342 normal tissues to examine pathway enrichment,biological activity,and the immune microenvironment.Additionally,we evaluated genetic effects of single variants and genes on colorectal cancer susceptibility using data from genome-wide association studies(GWASs)involving both East Asian(7062 cases and 195745 controls)and European(24476 cases and 23073 controls)populations.We employed mediation analysis to infer the causal pathway,and applied multiplex immunofluorescence to visualize colocalized biomarkers in colorectal tumors and immune cells.Our findings revealed that both DNA replication activity and the flap structure-specific endonuclease 1(FEN1)gene were significantly enriched in colorectal tumor tissues,compared with normal tissues.Moreover,a genetic variant rs4246215 G>T in FEN1 was associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer(odds ratio=0.94,95%confidence interval:0.90–0.97,P_(meta)=4.70×10^(-9)).Importantly,we identified basophils and eosinophils that both exhibited a significantly decreased infiltration in colorectal tumors,and were regulated by rs4246215 through causal pathways involving both FEN1 and DNA replication.In conclusion,this trans-omics incorporating GWAS data provides insights into a plausible pathway connecting DNA replication and immunity,expanding biological knowledge of colorectal tumorigenesis and therapeutic targets.

The Practice and Exploration of Applying EBM to Bilingual Teaching of Medical Genetics at OSBCM

In the process of teaching medical genetics of undergraduate clinical medicine, the practice and exploration of applying EBM to the bilingual teaching of OSBCM medical genetics are carried out. Using CBL and PBL as the carrier can make up for the shortcomings of a single teaching mode, synthesize the advantages of multiple teaching modes. It starts from integrating the basic theoretical knowledge of medicine and clinical practice knowledge, improving students’ bilingual level of medical genetics, cultivating students’ literature retrieval ability, and promoting early clinical, multi-clinical and repeated clinical consciousness for medical students. Therefore, it is more conducive to cultivate students’ ability to learn independently, accurately analyze and solve problems, improve medical students’ clinical thinking ability and scientific research awareness, improve medical students’ ability of international communication, and lay a solid foundation for improving medical students’ future post competence, innovative spirit and lifelong learning ability.

The research progress of epigenetics and metabolic memory in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease(DKD)is a clinical syndrome that is one of the major causes of end-stage renal disease(ESRD).The pathogenesis of DKD is complex and multifaceted,with most studies indicating its association with genetics,advanced glycosylation end-product deposition,polyol pathway and protein C activation,lipid metabolism abnormalities,microcirculatory dysfunction,oxidative stress,inflammatory factors,and the kallikrein-kinin system.Epigenetics is the science studying gene expression regulation without changes in the DNA sequence.In recent years,increasing evidence has shown that epigenetic mechanisms play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of DKD.For instance,epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation,histone modifications,and non-coding RNAs can influence the expression of DKD-related genes,thereby regulating the development and progression of DKD.On the other hand,metabolic memory is an important concept in DKD research.Metabolic memory refers to the phenomenon where cells maintain a certain metabolic state even after the disappearance of metabolic stress factors.This state can influence cell function and fate.In DKD,metabolic stress factors such as hyperglycemia can lead to metabolic memory in renal cells,affecting their function and fate,ultimately leading to the development and progression of DKD.Therefore,to further explore the pathogenesis of DKD,research on epigenetics should be strengthened,aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and treatment of DKD.

HBsAg ELISA+/HBV DNA NAT-献血者血清学与分子生物学特征分析

目的 了解西安地区无偿献血人群HBsAg ELISA检测结果与HBV DNA检测结果不一致的标本相关血清学标志物的分布情况。方法 收集2022年11月1日—2023年4月30日陕西省血液中心HBsAg ELISA+/HBV DNA NAT-(ELISA+/NAT-)标本共计71份,对其采用电化学发光法检测乙肝血清学标志物,同时复检巢式PCR扩增HBV S区和C区基因片段。结果 双ELISA+/NAT-标本(n=30)巢式PCR检测阳性率远高于单ELISA+/NAT-标本(n=41)(60%vs 24.40%,P<0.05)。前者献血者100%为初次献血者,血清抗-HBc阳性率100%,血清学模式以1、4、5此3项阳性(80%)为主;后者献血者中31.7%为重复献血者,血清抗-HBc阳性率仅为19.51%,血清学模式以单2项阳性(43.90%)和全阴(36.58%)为主。结论 单ELISA+结果存在较多假阳性,导致不必要的血液报废;而NAT-标本可能存在低水平的HBV DNA,产生漏检风险。建议针对单HBsAg ELISA+/NAT-献血者,采用多套系统多种方法追溯检测,提高献血者HBV筛查的准确度,减少不必要的血液浪费。

不同运动方式对人体DNA损伤、DNA甲基化和端粒长度的影响

背景:运动不仅是改善身体健康和心理健康的有效手段,还对代谢性和心脑血管等疾病的发生、发展具有良好的干预效果,其原因与表观遗传因素有关。目的:总结不同运动方式对人体DNA损伤、DNA甲基化和端粒长度的影响,并分析运动调控表观遗传修饰的可能机制,以期为运动改善机体功能提供参考。方法:以“运动,有氧训练,急性运动,无氧训练,抗阻训练,DNA损伤,DNA甲基化,端粒”为中文检索词,以“exercise,sport,aerobic exercise,anaerobic exercise,resistance training,acute exercise,DNA methylation,DNA damage,telomere”为英文检索词。在PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、中国知网数据库中进行检索,并根据纳入与排除标准筛选文献,最终纳入70篇文献。结果与结论:①长期有氧、抗阻和无氧运动均能改善DNA损伤,其原因与运动可以提高机体的抗氧化能力有关。而急性运动则会通过上调活性氧和活性氮氧化物的表达进而加剧DNA损伤程度;②急性运动、长期抗阻运动和无氧运动在降低DNA甲基化方面具有积极作用,其关键机制可能是运动诱导的活性氧使氧化型谷胱甘肽/还原型谷胱甘肽比值和DNA甲基化转移酶、10-11易位酶的表达发生了改变,进而对DNA甲基化产生调控作用;③与其他运动形式相比,长时间有氧运动可能更具有增加端粒长度的潜在价值,其中的生物学机制涉及炎症、氧化应激、DNA甲基化和微小RNA的表达调控;④基于当前文献可知,有氧运动持续2年以上可以增加端粒长度,未来的研究也应进一步明确最佳的运动持续时间。

DNA条形码技术在蛇类鉴别中的应用

从NCBI中GenBank数据库下载蛇类细胞色素b基因(Cytb)序列7329条,以MT765098.1序列为标准进行对比和修剪,获得蛇类Cytb序列4665条。对蛇类Cytb序列进行核苷酸饱和度、遗传多样性、种内和种间遗传距离计算,构建系统发育树。结果表明,基于Kimura–2–Parameter模型,蛇类平均种内遗传距离为3.3%,普遍小于6.7%,而平均种间遗传距离为19.96%,普遍高于9.3%,说明蛇类物种间遗传距离存在较大差异。根据蛇类物种间遗传距离,识别出蛇类23个物种的亚种,Pareas和Hydrophis属物种含有复合体,Atractus dunni、A.iridescen和A.occidentali互为姐妹物种。

基于混沌理论与DNA动态编码的卫星图像加密算法

针对卫星图像在传输、存储过程中涉及的信息安全问题,该文提出一种新型的基于混沌理论与DNA动态编码的卫星图像加密算法。首先,提出一种改进型无限折叠混沌映射,拓宽了原有无限折叠混沌映射的混沌区间。之后,结合改进型Chebyshev混沌映射与SHA-256哈希算法,生成加密算法的密钥流,提升算法的明文敏感性。然后,利用混沌系统的状态值对Hilbert局部置乱后的像素进行DNA编码,实现DNA动态编码,解决了DNA编码规则较少所带来的容易受到暴力攻击的弱点。最后,使用混沌序列完成进一步混沌加密,从而彻底混淆原始像素信息,增加加密算法的随机性与复杂性,得到密文图像。实验结果表明,该算法具有较好的加密效果和应对各种攻击的能力。

安徽新安江水牛mtDNA D-Loop区遗传多样性与系统进化研究

试验旨在分析安徽省黄山市新安江流域上游地区新安江水牛群体的分子遗传特性,探究其母系起源与遗传多样性。利用PCR扩增和测序技术测定28头新安江水牛的mtDNA D-Loop序列,下载GenBank数据库中24个中国水牛群体的693条D-Loop序列,利用生物信息学分析其遗传多样性,构建Neighbor-joining系统发生树和Media-joining网络,探索不同水牛群体的遗传距离。结果显示,28头新安江水牛的mtDNA D-Loop序列共有117个变异位点,构成25种单倍型,其核苷酸多样性为0.02602±0.00303,单倍型多样性为0.989±0.014。新安江水牛群体的变异性水平与中国其他水牛群体接近。N-J系统进化树显示,新安江水牛25个单倍型分为A、B两个支系,具有A支系和B支系2个母系来源,其中A支系占据主导地位。Media-joining进化网络显示,中国水牛主要为沼泽型水牛,分为沼泽型水牛A支系和B支系,B支系又分为b1亚支系和b2亚支系。综上,新安江水牛群体变异水平与中国其他地方水牛群体接近,群体遗传多样性丰富;且新安江水牛属于沼泽型水牛,具有2个线粒体母系来源,与我国其他地方水牛群体具有一定的遗传距离。

一种适用于实验教学的果蝇DNA提取新方法

南开大学遗传学实验课程组将科研中常用的动物组织DNA提取方法改造后用于实验教学,获得了1种适用于实验教学的果蝇DNA提取新方法。该方法由碱裂解、酸中和、离心3个步骤组成,具有操作简单、时间短、成本低、效果稳定等特点,获得的DNA无论是浓度还是纯度均可满足后续PCR扩增的需要,符合实验教学的要求。该方法简化了果蝇DNA的提取流程,为与果蝇基因表达分析相关实验项目的改革奠定了基础,有助于提升实验教学效果,推动课程建设。

环境DNA技术发展及其在长江流域水生生态学领域的应用研究进展

长江流域鱼类资源丰富、生物多样性高。近年来,受人为干扰、环境变化等因素影响,鱼类资源急剧衰退,全面了解该流域水生生态学信息、进行长江大保护迫在眉睫。随着分子生物学技术的发展,环境DNA技术应运而生,其相比于传统调查方式更加高效、灵敏,应用领域更广;该技术的灵敏性使其非常适合于检测濒危物种、低密度物种入侵、瞬时和隐秘物种的存在,特别是当检测低密度物种的采样工作难以控制时,其敏感性、简便性和降低危害性的优势愈加显现出来。因此,该技术已被广泛应用于食品微生物、生物监测、群落生态学、古环境、保护生物学和生物入侵等领域的研究。介绍了环境DNA定义、发展史、研究方法与优劣势,在此基础上概述了其在长江流域水生生态学领域的应用研究进展,最后展望了环境DNA技术与环境RNA技术相结合的技术革新以及新一代测序手段、大数据及机器智能技术多技术结合助力该领域研究的前景,以期为长江流域持续性生态学监测提供借鉴和参考。

Taq DNA聚合酶的分子改造及其在探针法qPCR直扩体系中的应用

Taq DNA聚合酶作为实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qPCR)技术的核心组分,其性能优劣直接影响qPCR技术的进一步发展。然而,野生型Taq DNA聚合酶的耐抑制剂性能差、延伸性能不足。为获得具有高性能的Taq DNA聚合酶,采用基因工程技术将双链DNA结合蛋白Sso7d或Sto7d融合在野生型Taq DNA聚合酶的N端或C端,构建了4个均可溶表达的改造体,再经过耐受性测试筛选较优的改造体,结果显示:改造体Taq-Sto的耐受性最高,其热稳定性不受影响,且在1 s/kbp的延伸条件下能成功扩增靶标,表明Taq-Sto具有增强的延伸性能,在TaqMan探针法qPCR体系中对腐殖酸、单宁酸、全血等抑制剂同样表现出良好的耐受性。EMSA实验发现:Taq-Sto对DNA模板的结合亲和力有所提高,有利于增强Taq-Sto对模板的竞争力;将Taq-Sto应用于非洲猪瘟病毒(ASFV)的TaqMan探针法qPCR检测,与商品化试剂相比,Taq-Sto具有更低的ASFV检出限,且在体积分数为2%~6%的猪粪便样本或猪肉样本中的检测灵敏度分别为100.0%和85.4%,说明Taq-Sto在直扩qPCR检测领域更具有优势。

基于环境DNA技术的珠江中下游鱼类多样性初步研究

通过环境DNA技术(Environmental DNA,eDNA)检测珠江中下游鱼类生物多样性,探索珠江中下鱼类多样性监测和保护的新途径。2023年2月在珠江中下游设置了桂平、藤县、封开、德庆、肇庆和九江共6个采样点,通过水样采集及过滤、eDNA提取、遗传标记扩增及测序和数据库比对分析等流程检测鱼类多样性。结果表明,6个采样点共检测出30种鱼类,隶属于4目10科27属,其中土著鱼类26种,外来种4种。较已有传统调查数据新检出2种鱼类:美丽沙鳅(Botia pulchra)和齐氏罗非鱼(Oceochromis zillii)。鱼类优势种为子陵吻鰕虎鱼(Rhinogobius giurinus)、瓦氏黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus vachellii)、鲢(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix)、尼罗罗非鱼(O.nilotica)、齐氏罗非鱼、南方波鱼(Rasbora steineri)和鲤(Cyprinus carpio)。根据Shannon指数和Simpson指数显示,eDNA检测九江和桂平站点的鱼类多样性最高,藤县的最低。作为一种新的检测方法,eDNA技术可用于快速检测珠江中下游鱼类的多样性及分布,在实际应用中可将eDNA技术与传统的监测方法相结合,以提供更全面的鱼类生物多样性数据信息。

DNA损伤修复相关通路的合成致死靶点研究及其在卵巢癌中的应用和前景

DNA损伤引发细胞启动一系列DNA损伤应答(DNA damage response,DDR),包括DNA损伤修复、细胞周期检查点激活、细胞周期阻滞、各种细胞内信号转导途径的活化和细胞凋亡等。DNA损伤修复(DNA damage repair)是细胞维持基因组稳定性的重要机制,于2015年获得诺贝尔化学奖。DNA损伤修复途径主要包括:碱基切除修复(base-excision repair,BER)、核苷酸切除修复(nucleotide excision repair,NER)、错配修复(mismatch repair,MMR)、同源重组(homologous recombination,HR)和非同源末端连接(non-homologous end joining,NHEJ)等,分别在DNA单链断裂(single-strand break,SSB)或双链断裂(double-strand break,DSB)等损伤修复中发挥重要作用。DNA损伤修复缺陷与肿瘤发生发展密切相关,同时也是肿瘤治疗的重要靶点。DNA损伤修复通路的多聚ADP核糖聚合酶(poly-ADP-ribose polymerase,PARP)与乳腺癌易感基因BRCA 1/2等存在合成致死(synthetic lethality)作用,使PARP抑制剂(PARP inhibitor,PARPi)成为第一个也是目前唯一上市的肿瘤治疗合成致死靶药。PARPi在卵巢癌及多种实体瘤治疗中疗效良好,使DNA损伤修复及相关DDR通路的合成致死靶药研发成为热点,其他在研靶点主要包括:共济失调毛细血管扩张突变蛋白(ataxia telangiectasia-mutated protein,ATM)、共济失调毛细血管扩张与RAD3相关蛋白(ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related protein,ATR)、DNA依赖性蛋白质激酶催化亚单位(DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit,DNA-PKcs)、细胞周期检测点激酶1(checkpoint kinase1,CHK1)、细胞周期检测点激酶2(checkpoint kinase 2,CHK2)、阻止有丝分裂的蛋白质激酶WEE1等。PARPi与其他DDR靶药、抗血管生成药物及免疫检查点抑制剂的联用,有可能成为克服PARPi耐药、提高疗效的有效手段和发展前景。本文针对DNA损伤修复及相关DDR通路的关键分子和潜在肿瘤治疗靶点进行综述,阐述了DNA损伤修复相关通路的合成致死靶点研究及在卵巢癌的应用和前景,为基础研究及临床应用提供指导。

硒对云南白灵芝生长、品质及DNA甲基化特征的影响

采用田间覆土栽培试验,设置6个Se浓度(0、50、100、200、300、400μg/g)处理,分别记为CK、Se50、Se100、Se200、Se300、Se400,研究外源硒对云南白灵芝生长发育、重金属积累、生物活性成分含量及其DNA甲基化特征的影响。结果表明,与CK相比,外源Se对子实体柄长和菌盖大小(横径、纵径)无显著影响,但能显著降低菌盖厚度;随着Se施用水平提高,菌丝生长速率和子实体硒含量均呈先增后降的趋势,生物量呈先降后增再降的趋势。子实体重金属含量(As、Cd、Pb、Hg)随Se浓度增加呈持续降低趋势,线性分析也表明,重金属含量与Se施用浓度均呈显著负相关。施Se增加了子实体多糖、粗蛋白、黄酮及总氨基酸含量,其中,多糖、黄酮含量在Se400处理下最高,总氨基酸、粗蛋白含量分别在Se200、Se300处理下最高。HPLC测定分析表明,与CK相比,Se300提高了灵芝酸A、灵芝酸DM、灵芝酸F及灵芝酮三醇为主的三萜酸组分,其总三萜酸含量较其他处理提高2.93%~25.54%。敏感扩增多态性分析(MSAP)结果显示,Se300较CK、Se400相比具有较高的未甲基化位点比例和较低的甲基化位点比例。综上,施用外源硒可促进早期菌丝生长,提高子实体生物量累积,改善子实体重金属安全性能和生物活性成分品质,改变DNA甲基化比例,且以300μg/g施用浓度的整体效果最佳,其子实体产量较对照显著提高11.36%。

血清中DNA聚合酶α在阿尔茨海默病中的表达和诊断价值分析

目的探究血清中DNA聚合酶α(DNA polα)在阿尔茨海默病(AD)中的表达水平,分析其在AD中的诊断价值。方法选取2019年3月至2023年4月在首都医科大学宣武医院就诊的AD痴呆(DAT)期患者100例作为DAT组,轻度认知障碍(MCI)期患者43例作为MCI组;同期,选取68例同年龄组别的健康者作为HC组。检测各组血清样本中DNA polα的表达水平,利用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析DNA polα在AD中的诊断价值。结果DAT组血清DNA polα表达水平高于MCI组(P<0.05)和HC组(P<0.001),随着AD病程发展,DNA polα表达水平有递增趋势。DNA polα表达水平与简易智能精神状态检查量表(MMSE)和蒙特利尔认知评估量表(MoCA)评分均呈负相关(r=-0.1553、-0.2037,P<0.05)。DNA polα诊断DAT期的曲线下面积(AUC)为0.682,灵敏度为0.900,特异度为0.412;DNA polα诊断MCI期的AUC为0.546,灵敏度为0.977,特异度为0.250;DNA polα鉴别诊断MCI期和DAT期的AUC为0.664,灵敏度为0.780,特异度为0.535。结论DNA polα在DAT期AD患者中表达水平升高,且其表达水平与AD病程发展存在一定联系,推测DNA polα有可能是诊断AD潜在的血液生物标志物。