Heat shock factor 1 promotes neurite outgrowth and suppresses inflammation in the severed spinal cord of geckos

The low intrinsic growth capacity of neurons and an injury-induced inhibitory milieu are major contributo rs to the failure of sensory and motor functional recovery following spinal cord injury.Heat shock transcription factor 1(HSF1),a master regulator of the heat shock response,plays neurogenetic and neuroprotective roles in the damaged or diseased central nervous system.However,the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.In the present study,we used a gecko model of spontaneous nerve regeneration to investigate the potential roles of gecko HSF1(gHSF1) in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and inflammatory inhibition of macrophages following spinal cord injury.gHSF1 expression in neurons and microglia at the lesion site increased dramatically immediately after tail amputation.gHSF1 ove rexpression in gecko primary neuro ns significantly promoted axonal growth by suppressing the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3,and fa cilitated neuro nal survival via activation of the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinases and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathways.Furthermore,gHSF1 efficiently inhibited the macrophagemediated inflammatory response by inactivating 1kappa B-alpha/NF-kappaB signaling.Our findings show that HSF1 plays dual roles in promoting axonal regrowth and inhibiting leukocyte inflammation,and provide new avenues of investigation for promoting spinal co rd injury repair in mammals.

电刺激大壁虎(Gekko gecko)中脑诱导转向运动的研究

为探索大壁虎运动行为脑功能基础和人工诱导的可能性,用不锈钢微电极对头部固定状态下浅麻醉的大壁虎(Gekko gecko,n=20)中脑脑区施以生理范围内的电刺激.发现中脑被盖区域在电刺激下可诱导出大壁虎脊柱侧弯和四肢动(外伸、内收、抬腿迈步等动作)等一系列多肌群参与的复杂运动行为;根据急性实验结果,通过在中脑被盖特定脑区植入金属微电极对术后恢复一周的清醒状态下的大壁虎(n=20)脑区施加电刺激信号,可成功地诱导出左、右转向的运动行为.该结果发现大壁虎中脑与运动行为密切相关,而且通过刺激脑内相关的核团可能实现对大壁虎部分运动行为的人工诱导.这为大壁虎运动的人工制导提供了有益的信息.

Complete Sequence and Gene Organization of the Mitochondrial Genome of Tokay (Gekko gecko)

Long-PCR amplification, clone and primer-walking sequencing methods were employed in determine the complete sequence of mitochondrial genome of tokay (Gekko gecko). The genome is 16 435 bp in size, contains 13 protein-coding, 2 ribosomal and 22 transfer RNA genes. The mt genome of Gekko is similar to most of the vertebrates in gene components, order, orientation, tRNA structures, low percentage of guanine and high percentage of thymine, and skews of base GC and AT. Base A was preferred at third codon positions for protein genes is similar to amphibians and fishes rather than amnion vertebrates. The standard stop codes (TAA) present only in three protein genes, less than those of most vertebrates. Transfer RNA genes range in length from 63 to 76 nt, their planar structure present characteristic clover leaf, except for tRNA-Cys and tRNA-Ser (AGY) because of lacking the D arm.

The Modulation and Control of the Gecko's Foot Movement

The modulation and control of gecko＇s foot movements were studied electrophysiologically in order to design the motor control system of a gecko-mimic robot. In this study （1） the anatomy of the peripheral nerves controlling the gecko＇s foot movements was determined; （2） the relationship between the limb nerves of the gecko and its foot motor patterns was studied; （3） the afferent impulses of the nerves evoked by rubbing the gecko＇s toes and palm were recorded; （4） copying the natural patterns of movement of the gecko＇s foot （abduction, adduction, flexion, and revolution） and its limb nerve modulation and control mechanism, the nerves were stimulated under computer control, and the results recorded by CCD. Results suggest that gecko＇s foot movements can be successfully controlled by artificial electrical signals.

Rediscovery of Microgecko helenae fasciatus(Schmidtler and Schmidtler, 1972) from Kermanshah Province, Western Iran with Notes on Taxonomy, Morphology, and Habitat

During extensive field work in the Zagros Mountains, western Iran, from October 2013 to November 2014, twenty five localities in different areas of the Kermanshah Province were investigated. Nineteen specimens of Schmidtler＇s dwarf gecko, Microgecko helenae fasciatus, were collected from six localities in western and southeastern regions of the Kermanshah Province. This new collection verifies the presence of M. h. fasciatus in the area after the description of Schmidtler and Schmidtler of the holotype specimen in 1972. All of the collected specimens are consistent with the described specimens in diagnostic characters, as have a uniform dorsal pattern with five distinct dark crossbars and white posterior margins as well as the higher number of dorsal scales between axilla and groin. Detailed morphology of the new specimens is discussed and compared with those of rare previous records. Taxonomy, distribution, and habitat types of this tiny gecko in the western foothills of the Zagros Mountains are also discussed.

“风药”大壁虎(Gekko gecko,蛤蚧)角膜上皮超微结构的研究

大壁虎的4种组织已经报道过,本文对它的角膜加以研究。角膜组织剪取后,经4%戊二醛和1%锇酸双重固定,扫描电镜常规技术处理后,用S-520扫描电子显微镜进行观察拍照。它的最表层细胞当冲去泪液膜后,为扁平细胞,细胞间有桥粒连接。电镜下放大10000倍以上时。

“风药”大壁虎(Gekko gecko,蛤蚧)消化系统的超微结构

文[1～3]已对大壁虎的四大组织超微结构加以介绍。按照解剖学的体系,本文着重报道它消化系统的超微结构。取大壁虎消化系统的舌、胃、肠、肝和胆囊5个部分的材料,用扫描电子显微镜进行观察。

“风药”大壁虎(Gekko gecko,蛤蚧)组织的超微结构研究

前文对大壁虎的上皮组织的皮肤鳞片和指、趾的超微结构已有报告。本文按动物的组织学顺序对它的结缔组织、骨组织、血细胞、肌组织和神经组织的观察结果,报道如下。

“风药”大壁虎(Gekko gecko蛤蚧)指、趾的超微结构研究

前已对大壁虎的鳞片组织亚显微结构作了报道,本文就应用电镜技术对大壁虎四肢中较具特色的指和趾观察结果,报道如下。本文所用动物来源及方法与前文同。

.NET互操作下Gecko浏览器组件

在讨论.NET互操作技术的平台调用,COM组件互操作,数据封送与Gecko内核浏览器的运行环境XULRunner及跨平台对象模型XPCOM的基础上,根据其操作思路,通过互操作把.NET与Gecko内核两者相结合,创建了.NET环境下通过XPCOM组件控制的Gecko内核浏览器控件,使其同时具备异构复用、可扩展、可操作的特点.

A Biomimetic Climbing Robot Based on the Gecko

The excellent climbing performance of the gecko is inspiring engineers and researchers for the design of artificial systems aimed at moving on vertical surfaces. Climbing robots could perform many useful tasks such as surveillance, inspection, repair, cleaning, and exploration. This paper presents and discusses the design, fabrication, and evaluation of two climbing robots which mimic the gait of the gecko. The first robot is designed considering macro-scale operations on Earth and in space. The second robot, whose motion is controlled using shape memory alloy actuators, is designed to be easily scaled down for micro-scale applications. Proposed bionic systems can climb up 65 degree slopes at a speed of 20 mm·s^-1.

大壁虎(Gekko gecko)骨骼系统的解剖

本文对采自云南省元江县的大壁虎骨骼系统作了全面解剖。大壁虎的骨骼系统按其部位分为中轴骨的头骨、脊柱、胸骨、肋骨和附肢骨的肩带、腰带、前肢骨、后肢骨。其头骨的眶后骨桥、上颧弓、下颧弓均缺失。脊柱的椎式为C_8T_5L_(13)S_2C_(y21-33).自第6枚尾椎及其后尾椎的椎体中部有未骨化中隔。有颈肋5对,胸肋8对,腰肋12对。前肢尺骨鹰咀上方有一粒状籽骨。后肢跗骨3块,跖骨5块,但第Ⅳ,Ⅴ跖骨不呈小型长骨状,而呈扁平,第Ⅳ跖骨近端两侧扩大,以内侧头与远列跗骨外侧块相关节,第Ⅴ跖骨呈长方形,位于第Ⅳ跖骨下方。

Antitumor effect and mechanism of Gecko on human esophageal carcinoma cell lines in vitro and xenografted sarcoma 180 in Kunming mice

AIM: To investigate the anti-tumor effect of Chinese medicine Gecko on human esophageal carcinoma cell lines and xenografted sarcoma 180 in Kunming mice and its mechanism. METHODS: The serum pharmacological method was used in vitro . The growth rates of the human esophageal carcinoma cells (EC9706 or EC1) were measured by a modifi ed 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The transplanted tumor model of the mouse S180 sarcoma was established. Fifty mice were randomly divided into fi ve groups (n = 10). Three Gecko groups were treated respectively with oral administration of Gecko powder at a daily dose of 13.5 g/kg, 9 g/kg, and 4.5 g/kg. The negative group (NS group) was treated with oral administration of an equal volume of saline and the positive group (CTX group) was treated with 100 mg/kg Cytoxan by intraperitoneal injection at the fi rst day. After 2 wk of treatment, the anti-tumor activity was evaluated by tumor tissue weighing. The impact on immune organ was detected based on the thymus index, spleen index, phagocytic rate and phagocytic index. The protein expression of vascular endothelingrowth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The cell apoptotic rate was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. RESULTS: The A value in each group treated with Gecko after 72 h was reduced signif icantly in EC9706 and in EC1. The tumor weight in each group of Gecko was decreased signifi cantly (1.087 ± 0.249 vs 2.167 ± 0.592; 1.021 ± 0.288 vs 2.167 ± 0.592; 1.234 ± 0.331 vs 2.167 ± 0.592; P < 0.01, respectively). However, the thymus index and Spleen index of mice in Gecko groups had no significant difference compared with the NS group. The immunoreactive score of VEGF and bFGF protein expression of each Gecko group by immunohistochemical staining were lowered signifi cantly. The apoptosis index (AI) of each group was increased progressively with increase of dose of Gecko by TUNEL. CONCLUSION: Gecko has anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo; induction of tumor cell apoptosis and the down-regulation of protein expression of VEGF and bFGF may be contributed to anti-tumor effects of Gecko.

Kinematic Analysis and Experimental Verification on the Locomotion of Gecko

This paper presents a kinematic analysis of the locomotion of a gecko,and experimental verification of the kinematic model.Kinematic analysis is important for parameter design,dynamic analysis,and optimization in biomimetic robot research. The proposed kinematic analysis can simulate,without iteration,the locomotion of gecko satisfying the constraint conditions that maintain the position of the contacted feet on the surface.So the method has an advantage for analyzing the climbing motion of the quadruped mechanism in a real time application.The kinematic model of a gecko consists of four legs based on 7-degrees of freedom spherical-revolute-spherical joints and two revolute joints in the waist.The motion of the kinematic model is simulated based on measurement data of each joint.The motion of the kinematic model simulates the investigated real gecko's motion by using the experimental results.The analysis solves the forward kinematics by considering the model as a combination of closed and open serial mechanisms under the condition that maintains the contact positions of the attached feet on the ground. The motions of each joint are validated by comparing with the experimental results.In addition to the measured gait,three other gaits are simulated based on the kinematic model.The maximum strides of each gait are calculated by workspace analysis.The result can be used in biomimetic robot design and motion planning.

A Biomimetic Study of Discontinuous-Constraint Metamorphic Mechanism for Gecko-Like Robot

Locomotion ability, efficiency and reliability are key targets for a good robot. The linkage mechanism for robot locomotion is a discontinuous-constraint metamorphic mechanism. Here we set up equations to present the discontinuous-constraint, point out that driving and controlling are the key points to improve the performance and efficiency of the linkage mechanism. Inspired by controlling strategy of the motor nervous system in peripheral vertebrae to the locomotion, we draw off motor control and drive strategy.

Gecko crude peptides inhibit migration and lymphangiogenesis by down regulating the expression of VEGF-C in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells and human lymphatic endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE To explore the role of gecko crude peptides(GCPs)in the proliferation,apoptosis,migration and lymphangiogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells(Hep G2)and human lymphaticendothelial cells(HLECs)in vitro.METHODS The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay was used to evaluate the anti-proliferative effect of GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C on Hep G2 cells,Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry were performed to analyze cycle and apoptosis.The migration and invasion ability of cells were assayed by transwell chamber experiment and wound-healing assay.The protein and m RNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-C(VEGF-C)and CXC chemokine receptor-4(CXCR4)were detected by q-PCR,immunofluorescence,Western blot.The protein expressions of the extracellular signal regulated kinase(ERKI/2),c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),p38-mitogen activated protein kinases(p38 MAPK),serine/threonine kinase(Akt)and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)were detected by western blot.The anti-lymphangiogenesis effect of GCPs on the HLECs was analyzed using an in vitro tube-formation assay.The protein and m RNA expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3(VEGFR-3)and stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1)were detected by q-PCR,Western blot.RESULTS GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C inhibited Hep G2 proliferation,invasion and migration,and the most obvious inhibitory effect was both synergistic effects.Thus,GCPs suppressed HLECs proliferation,migration and tubelike structure formationin a dose-dependent manner,and had inhibitory effect of tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis in vitro.Additionally,we found that GCPs and si RNA-VEGF-C decreased the expressions of MMP-2,MMP-9,VEGF-C,CXCR4,phospho-ERK1/2,phospho-P38,phospho-JNK and PI3K in Hep G2 cells.Moreover,GCPs had a dose-dependent depressive effecton the expressions of VEGFR-3,SDF-1 in HLECs.CONCLUSION The low expression of VEGF-C mediated by si RNA-VEGF-C and GCPs inhibit tumor proliferation,invasion and migrationby suppressing the MAPK signaling pathway through reduced levels of VEGF-C,and GCPs inhibit tumor lymphangiogenesis by suppressing the CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling pathway through suppressed VEGF-C/VEGFR-3.

Design and Analysis of Gecko-like Robot

Gecko-like robot（Geckobot）,an important branch of bionic robotics,is a robot that simulates gecko＇s capacity to climb walls and ceilings.The work environment of the traditional wall-climbing robot is greatly limited as the moving structure and adsorption principle of the robot have nothing to do with the real gecko.However,the adsorption principle and moving mode of the real gecko can provide a new way to break through the restrictions of the traditional wall-climbing robot.Inspired by the moving mechanism of geckos, this paper develops the Geckobot with motile body.Two types of Geckobots are addressed：one with compliant flat bar as the body,and the other with prismatic joint as the body.The compliant body not only resembles the moving mode of the real gecko body,but also simplifies the Geckobot＇s structure.The prismatic joint body is used to adapt the change of body length in ground-to-wall transition. The gait planning on the plane and the transition between perpendicular intersectional planes is discussed,with an emphasis on the analysis of the kinematics degree of freedom（DOF） and body posture.Central pattern generator（CPG） neural network is realized in LabVIEW and utilized to control Geckobot＇s movement.The CPG scheme in Lab VIEW is given,and how CPG is used to control Geckobot to turn or move forward is explored.Simulations are conducted in ADAMS to verify the feasibility of the structure design and gait planning and to acquire some parameters for practical Geckobot development.The experiment with Geckobot-Ⅰand Geckobot-Ⅱon their crawling capacity on the plane and the ground-to-wall transition finds that the robot can complete the crawling movement and ground-to-wall transition,verifying the feasibility of the structure design,gait planning and the CPG motion control.The Geckobot structure design approach,gait planning and the CPG motion control presented would be useful for the research on wall-climbing robots.

The Marking Technology in Motion Capture for the Complex Locomotor Behavior of Flexible Small Animals(Gekko gecko)

Animals have evolved a variety of behavior patterns to adapt to the environment. Motion-capture technology is utilized to quantify and characterize locomotor behaviors to reveal the mechanisms of animal motion. In the capture of flexible, small animals with complex locomotor behaviors, the markers interfere with each other easily, and the motion forms(bending, twisting) of the moving parts are obviously different;thus, it is a great challenge to realize accurate quantitative characterization of complex locomotor behaviors. The correlation between the marker properties, including the size and space length, and the precision of the system are revealed in this paper, and the effects of diverse marker shapes on the capturing accuracy of the captured objects in different motion forms were tested. Results showed that the precision of system is significantly improved when the ratio of the space length to the diameter of the markers is larger than four;for the capture of the spatial twisting motion of the flexible object, the hexagon markers had the lowest spatial lost-marker rate relative to the circle, triangle, and square. Customized markers were used to capture the locomotor behavior of the gecko-inspired robot(rigid connection) and the gecko(flexible connection). The results showed that this marking technology can achieve high accuracy of motion capture for geckos(the average deviation was approximately 0.32 mm, and the average deviation’s variation rate was approximately 0.96%). In this paper, the marking technology for the motion capture of flexible, small animals with complex motion is proposed;it can effectively improve the system precision as well as the capture accuracy, and realize the quantitative characterization of the complex motion of flexible, small objects. It provides a reliable technical means to deeply study the evolution of the motion function of small animals and advance systematic research of motion-capture technology.

Anti-tumor activities of macromolecular fractions of fresh gecko vivo and their induction of Bel-7402 cell differentiation

Objective:To investigate the anti-tumor effect of macromolecular fractions of fresh gecko (M-AG) in vivo and their differentiation-inducing activity in Bel-7402 cells in vitro.Methods:An H22 hepatocarcinoma-bearing mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of M-AG samples.The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was applied to analyze cell viability.Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscopy.The quantity of the alpha-fetoprotein was detected by a radioimmunoassay.Chromatometry was used to assay the albumin quantity.Activities of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl trans-peptidase were measured by biochemical methods.Finally,western blotting was applied to assess proteins in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Results:Macromolecular fractions of fresh gecko exerted a significant anti-tumor effect in mice.The inhibition rate of tumor growth was 63% in the moderate M-AG dose group.Cells treated with M-AG displayed a differentiated state.The treatment lowered alphafetoprotein secretion and significantly decreased the activities of γ-glutamyl trans-peptidase and alkaline phosphatase in Bel-7402 cells.In contrast,M-AG increased the amount of albumin in the cell culture medium.All biochemical indices demonstrated that M-AG induced Bel7402 cell differentiation.Western blotting showed no changes in the quantities of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2,p38MAPK,or c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1/2.However,M-AG significantly activated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in a dose-dependent manner.In addition,M-AG had no significant influence on the expression of nuclear factor-kappa B.Conclusion:Macromolecular fractions of fresh gecko has an anti-tumor activity in H22 hepatocarcinoma-bearing mice in vivo and inhibits Bel-7402 cell proliferation in vitro by inducing cell differentiation related to activation of ERK1/2.

Regeneration of adhesive tail pad scales in the New Zealand gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus) (Reptilia, Squamata; Lacertilia) can serve as an experimental model to analyze setal formation in lizards generally

During the regeneration of the tail in the arboreal New Zealand gecko （Hoplodactylus maculatus） a new set of tail scales, modified into pads bearing setae 5-20 μm long, is also regenerated. Stages of the formation of these specialized scales from epidermal pegs that invaginate the dermis of the regenerating tail are described on the basis of light and electron microscopic images. Within the pegs a differentiating clear layer interfaces with the spinulae and setae of the Oberh^utchen according to a process similar to that described for the digital pads. A layer of clear cytoplasm surrounds the growing tiny setae and eventually comities around them and their spatular ends, later leaving the new setae free- standing on the epidermal surface. The fresh adhesive pads help the gecko to maintain the prehensile function of its regenerated tail as together with the axial skeleton （made of a cylinder of elastic cartilage） the pads allow the regenerated tail to curl around twigs and small branches just like the original tail. The regeneration of caudal adhesive pads represents an ideal system to study the cellular processes that determine setal formation under normal or experimental manipulation as the progressive phases of the formation of the setae can be sequentially analyzed.