Effects of Dietary Energy Level on the Expression of the HSL Gene in DifferentTissues of Sheep

A total of 36 four-mon-old hybrid lambs （Dorset×Thin-tailed Han sheep） with similar body weight （BW） were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments with different energy （7.21, 10.33 and 13.49 MJ d-1 ME） but similar protein levels. The animals were slaughtered and subcutaneous fat, longissimus dorsi muscle, femoral biceps muscle and cardiac muscle tissue samples were taken after being treated for 40 d. The samples were then subjected to quantitative PCR to determine mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase （HSL） in different tissues in the laboratory. The findings showed that the abundance of HSL mRNA decreased with the elevation of dietary energy. In the subcutaneous fatty tissue, the HSL mRNA levels showed significant differences among the three groups （P〈0.01）; in the longissimus dorsi and femoral biceps muscles, the HSL mRNA level in the low energy group was significantly higher than that in the moderate and high energy groups （P〈0.01）. In the cardiac muscle, the HSL mRNA level in the moderate energy group was significantly different from the low and high energy groups （P〈0.05）. The number of HSL copies （Qty） in different tissues of sheep was different, it was greater in the subcutaneous fat than in longissimus dorsi muscle, femoral biceps muscle and heart.

Interactions of the apolipoprotein A5 gene polymorphisms and alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels

Objectives Apolipoprotein(Apo) A5 gene poly-morphisms and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride(TG) levels,but little is known about their interactions on serum lipid levels.The present study was undertaken polymorphismsand alcohol consumption on serum lipid levels.Methods A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15 -89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples.Genotyping of the ApoA5was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Interactions of the ApoA5alcohol consumption were assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the aforementioned factor.Results The levels of total cholesterol (TC),TG,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), ApoA1 and ApoB were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P【0.05-0.001).The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) were not different between the two groups.The levels of TG in non-drinkers, and TC,TG,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)and ApoB in drinkers were different among the three -1131T】C genotypes(P【0.05-0.001).The -1131C allele carriers had higher serum TC,TG,LDL-C and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.The levels of TG,HDL-C and ApoB in nondrinkers,and TG and HDL-C in drinkers were different between the two c.553G】T genotypes(P【0.05-0.01).The C.553T allele carriers had higher serum TG and ApoB levels,and lower HDL-C levels than the allele noncarriers.Serum lipid levels in nondrinkers were not different among the three c.457G】A genotypes(P【0.05 for all), but the levels of HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoA1 and ApoB in drinkers were different between the GG and GA/AA geno-types (P【0.05-0.001).The C.457A allele carriers had lower serum HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB levels than the allele noncarriers.We also observed four haplotypes:G-G-T, G-G-C,G-A-T,and T-G-C with frequencies ranging from 0.06 to 0.87,representing 100%of all haplotypes in the both populations.The ApoA5 haplotypes were significantly(P【0.05) associated at the global level with TC,TG,HDL-C, LDL-C,Apo1,and ApoB,even after correction for multiple testing with permutation test.In particular,carriers of haplo-type G-G-C had significantly higher TC,TG,LDL-C,ApoB than noncarriers,whereas carriers of haplotype C-A-T had significantly lower TC,LDL-C,ApoAl and ApoB,and higher HDL-C than noncarriers.Serum TC levels in nondrinkers were correlated with -1131T】C genotype and allele(P【0.05 for each),whereas serum TC,TG and LDL-C levels in drinkers were associated with -1131 T】C and C.553G】T genotypes,or c.457G】A alleles(P【0.05-0.001).Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in the both groups.Conclusions The differences in serum lipid profiles between the drinkers and nondrinkers might partly result from different interactions of ApoA5 gene polymor phisms and alcohol consumption.genotypes and -1131T】C, c.553G】T and c.457G】A to detect the interactions of the ApoA5

The proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 geneE670G polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations

Background The association of E670G polymorphism in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) gene and serum lipid profiles is inconsistent in dif- ferent ethnic groups.Bai Ku Yao is a special subgroup of the Yao minority in China.The present study was undertaken association of PCSK9 E670G polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.Methods A total of 649 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 646 participants of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples.Genotyping of the PCSK9 E670G polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis,and then confirmed by direct sequencing. Results The levels of serum total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and apolipoprotein(Apo) AI were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han(P【0.01 for all).The frequency of A and G alleles was 98.00%and 2.00%in Bai Ku Yao,and 95.20%and 4.80%in Han(P【0.01);respectively. The frequency of AA,AG and GG genotypes was 95.99%,4.01%and 0%in Bai Ku Yao,and 91.02%, 8.36%and 0.62%in Han(P【0.01);respectively.There were also significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between n and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Han Chinese but not in Bai Ku Yao were different between the AA and AG/GG genotypes(P【0.05 for all).The G allele carriers had higher serum HDL-C and higher ApoAI to ApoB ratio than the G allele noncarriers.When serum lipid parameters in Han were analyzed according to sex,the G allele carriers had higher serum HDL and ApoAI levels in males (P【0.05),and lower ApoB level and higher ApoAI to ApoB ratio in females(P【0.05 for all).Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum HDL-C levels were correlated with genotypes in both ethnic groups(P【0.05 each).Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with sex,age,body massindex,alcohol consumption,cigarette smoking,and blood pressure in both ethnic groups(P【0.05-0.001).Conclusions These results suggest that the PCSK9 E670G polymorphism is mainly associated with some serum lipid parameters in the Han population,both gender show different relations to different serum lipid parameters.The G allele carriers might have higher serum lipid profiles than the G allele noncarriers. ormal LDL-C(≤3.20 mmol/L) and high LDL-C subgroups (】 3.20 mmol/L,P【0.01;respectively) in Bai Ku Yao, and between normal ApoB(≤1.14 g/L) and high ApoB subgroups(】 1.14 g/L,P 【 0.01;respectively) in Han.

The Screening of Genes Sensitive to Long-Term, Low-Level Microwave Exposure and Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Correlations to Learning and Memory

Objective To gain a better understanding of gene expression changes in the brain following microwave exposure in mice. This study hopes to reveal mechanisms contributing to microwave-induced learning and memory dysfunction. Methods Mice were exposed to whole body 2100 MHz microwaves with specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.45 W/kg, 1.8 W/kg, and 3.6 W/kg for 1 hour daily for 8 weeks. Differentially expressing genes in the brains were screened using high-density oligonucleotide arrays, with genes showing more significant differences further confirmed by RT-PCR. Results The gene chip results demonstrated that 41 genes (0.45 W/kg group), 29 genes (1.8 W/kg group), and 219 genes (3.6 W/kg group) were differentially expressed. GO analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were primarily involved in metabolic processes, cellular metabolic processes, regulation of biological processes, macromolecular metabolic processes, biosynthetic processes, cellular protein metabolic processes, transport, developmental processes, cellular component organization, etc. KEGG pathway analysis showed that these genes are mainly involved in pathways related to ribosome, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, long-term potentiation, Huntington's disease, and Neurotrophin signaling. Construction of a protein interaction network identified several important regulatory genes including synbindin (sbdn), Crystallin (CryaB), PPP1CA, Ywhaq, Psap, Psmb1, Pcbp2, etc., which play important roles in the processes of learning and memory. Conclusion Long-term, low-level microwave exposure may inhibit learning and memory by affecting protein and energy metabolic processes and signaling pathways relating to neurological functions or diseases.

Cloning and Expression Level Analysis of Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone Receptor 1 Gene(MC1R) in Alpacas with Different Coat Color

Specific primers for the MC1R gene of alpacas(GenBank EU1358800) were designed to amplify the cDNA sequence using RT-PCR to seek variation in the sequence and explore the relationship between the expression level of MC1R gene and alpaca coat color.The MC1R gene from white alpaca was cloned successfully and sequence analysis verified that the MC1R gene,encoding 317 amino acids,was 1081 bp in length.Compared with the existing sequence in GenBank,sequence identity was 99.9%and 7 mutations were found.Primers,designed from the sequence obtained,were used to assess the relative expression of MC1R in alpacas of different coat color using QRT-PCR and SPSS 13.0 software.Relative expression of MC1R in the skin of brown alpacas was 4.32 times higher than that in white alpacas after normalization with GAPDH(P【0.01),indicating that MC1R expression may be related to coat color of alpacas.

Association of Bone Turnover Levels with MTHFR Gene Polymorphisms among Pregnant Women in Wuhan, China

Pregnancy is a critical stimulator of bone mineral resorption. We used to find the MTHFR gene polymorphisms are related with blood lead levels among pregnant women. Pregnancy-stimulated bone turnover may be associated with MTHFR gene polymorphisms too. In this article, we aimed to determine the relationship between MTHFR gene polymorphisms and bone turnover rates among the pregnant women. The participants including pregnant and non-pregnant women were selected and recruited during their routine prenatal or physical examination from July to October in 2012. A total of 1000 participants, including 250 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters and 250 non-pregnant women, were enrolled in the study. Finally, after excluding 27 participants unable to provide blood samples, 973 eligible participants （i.e., 234, 249, and 248 pregnant women in the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, and 242 non-pregnant women） were included in the research. The MTHFR gene 1298CC homozygote carriers were more susceptible to yield higher plasma homocysteine levels than the 1298AA/AC carriers, with standardized coefficients of 0.086 （P〈0.05） and 0.104 （P〈0.01） of all the participants and the pregnant women, respectively. The MTHFR gene 1793AA homozygote carriers more likely showed higher plasma osteocalcin levels （standardized β=0.091, P〈0.01） than the 1793GG/GA carriers among all the subjects. Plasma homocysteine levels were positively correlated with blood lead levels among the participants and the pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.320 （P〈0.01） and 0.179 （P〈0.01）, respectively. Plasma osteocalcin levels were positively associated with blood lead levels among pregnant and non-pregnant women with standardized coefficients of 0.084 （P〈0.05） and 0.125 （P〈0.01）, respectively. In conclusion, homocysteine and osteocalcin contents in plasma are associated with the MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism and blood lead levels among pregnant women. The MTHFR gene A1298C polymorphism-related homocysteine is a possible risk factor for increased blood lead levels among Chinese women.

Effect of the Flanking Sequence Architecture of Translation Initiation AUG Codon on Gene Expression Level in Rice

The relationship between the codon usage bias, gene expression level and the AUG context(from -20 to +6 positions relative to the initiator AUG codon) was examined in 541unigene sequences of rice. A significant correlation for CAI values (codon adaptationindex) was observed at five nucleotide positions (-19, -18, -9, -4, +5), eight (-19, -18,-14, -9, -6, -4, -1, +5) for CPP (codon preference parameter), and seven (-18, -16, -15,-9, -7, -1, +6) for mRNA abundance in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codonrespectively, but a significantly positive correlation for both CAI and CPP at twopositions (-4 and +5), indicating that both those positions are evolutionally under thenatural selection constraint at the translational level. By site-directed mutagenesis atseven specific positions (-18, -16, -15, -9, -7, -1 and +6) for allergenic protein thathad the highest mRNA abundance in this study, its expression level decreased dramatically63.3 and 72.5% respectively, indicating the importance of those 7 positions for geneexpression. A highly positive correlation (r=0.625, P<0.01) between AUGCAI and GCcontent in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codon showed a more effectivehigher GC content on translation initiation efficiency. The strong preference for G orC at those 8 positions (-6, -5, -3, -2, -1, +4, +5 and +6) in the AUG context suggestedthat an important factor in modulation of the translation efficiency, as well assynonymous codon usage bias, particularly in highly expressed genes.

Plasma fibrinogen levels are associated with epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutation in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objective： The plasma fibrinogen levels had not only been used as an independent prognostic parameter for the patients with non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC）, but also as a promising biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the plasma fibrinogen levels and epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics of Chinese patients with NSCLC. Methods： In this retrospective study, NSCLC specimens collected from 352 patients between November 2009 and November 2011 were selected to detect EGFR gene mutation with real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. In these specimens, 308 ones were also detected EGFR gene copy number with fluorescence in situ hybridization （FISH）. Coagulation makers were examined prior to the operations. The association between the plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutation and clinical-pathological characteristics were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software. Results： The median pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level was 3.55 g/L （109/352） patients with higher plasma fibrinogen level （〉 4.0 g/L）. The lower plasma fibrinogen levels correlated significantly with EGFR gene mutations （P 〈 0.001）, the similar result was seen in platelet counts （P = 0.026）. A linear correlation was found between the plasma fibrinogen levels and the platelet counts in NSCLC patients （R^2 = 0.209, P 〈 0.001）. Pre-peration plasma fibrinogen levels correlated with gender （P 〈 0.001）, smoking status （P 〈 0.001 ）, and histology （P 〈 0.001 ）. There were significant link between the above clinical-pathological characteristics and EGFR gene mutations. In addition, EGFR gene mutation was correlated with FISH-positive status （P 〈 0.001）. Moreover, both plasma fibrinogen level （P = 0.024） and the EGFR gene copy number （P = 0.040） had significant relationships with the pathological TNM stage. Conclusion： This study showed that a significant relevance between plasma fibrinogen levels and EGFR gene mutations. The plasma fibrinogen level might be as a clinical decision parameter for evaluating the efficacy of anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors （TKIs） in NSCLC. The patients of NSCLC had higher indicate have poor benefits from anti-EFGR TKIs. In addition, pre-operation plasma fibrinogen level could be used as an indepedent prognostic biomarker for the patients with NSCLC.

Relationship between the low density lipoprotein receptor gene polymorphism and serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao population

Objectives Bai Ku Yao(White-trousers Yaos)is a special branch of Yao minority in China.They are now living in both Lihu and Baxu villages,Nandan County, Guangxi,China.The population size is about 30,000.The special customs and culture of Bai Ku Yao,including their special clothing,intra-ethnic marriages and alcohol intake are still completely conserved to the present day.In previous epidemiologic studies,we found that the serum lipid levels and the prevalence of hyperlipidaemia were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese from the same region.This ethnic difference in serum lipid profiles is still not well known.We hypothesized that there may be significant differences in some genetic polymorphismsssociation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) genepolymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.Methods A total of 1024 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 792 participants of Han Chinese were stud- ied by a stratified randomized cluster sampling.Epidemiological survey was carried out using internationally standardized methods.Information on demographics,socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors was collected with standardized questionnaires. The height,weight,waist circumference,blood pressure, and serum total cholesterol(TC),triglyceride(TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),apolipoprotein(Apo) A1, and ApoB were measured.Body massindex(BMI,kg/m2) was calculated.Genotyping of the LDL-RAvaⅡwas performed by polymerse chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis,and then confirmed by direct sequencing.Results(l)The height,weight,serum TC,HDL-C,LDL-C,ApoAl levels and the ratio of ApoAl to ApoB were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese(P【0.01 for all),whereas the percentage of subjects who consumed alcohol or smoked cigarettes was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese(P【0.01 for each).(2) The frequency of A+ allele in Bai Ku Yao was 34.5%,and the frequencies of A-A-,A-A+ and A+A + genotypes were 42.6%,45.9%and 11.5%;respectively. The frequency of A+ allele in Han Chinese was 19.3%(P【0.001),and the frequencies of A-A-,A-A + and A+A+ genotypes were 64.9%,31.6%and 3.5%(P【0.001);respectively. The frequencies of A-A-,A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes in Bai Ku Yao were significant difference between males and females,between normal TC and high TC subgroup, and between normal LDL-C and high LDL-C subgroup (P【0.05 for all),whereas the frequencies of A- and A+ ? alleles in Han Chinese were significant difference between males and females(P【0.05).(3) Serum LDL-C levels in Bai Ku Yao were significant difference among the A-A-, A-A+ and A+A+ genotypes(P【0.05),the A+ carriers had higher serum LDL-C levels.Serum HDL-C levels in Han Chiese were significant difference among the A-A-,A-A + and A+A+ genotypes(P【0.01),the A+ carriers had higher serum HDL-C levels.(4) After adjusting other factors,the prevalence of LDL-C abnormality was still higher in Han Chiese than in Bai Ku Yao.The prevalence of TC abnormality in Han Chinese was almost twice high as in Bai Ku Yao. The age and diet were common risk factor for TC abnormality. No effect of AvaⅡgenotype or alcohol consumption on the TC abnormality was found,but the combination of geno-type and alcohol consumption can increase the prevalence of TC abnormality[Exp(B) =(1.154)].Age was negatively cor- related with TG level.Conclusions Serum TC and LDL-C levels were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han Chinese.There were significant differences in the AvaⅡallele and genotype frequencies between the he A+ carriers in Bai Ku Yao had higher serum LDL-C levels,whereas the A+ carriers in Han had higher serum HDL-C levels.Interactions between alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking and the LDL-R AvaⅡgenotype were also observed.The differences in the serum lipid profiles between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different genotypic frequency of LDL-R AvaⅡpolymorphism or differentgene-enviromental interactions.Bai Ku Yao and Han population,the frequency of A + allele was higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han.T between the two ethnic groups.Therefore,the aim of the present study was to detect the

Construction of Lactuca sativa Plastid Transformation Vector and High-level Expression of gfp Gene in Escherichia coli

Using genomic DNA of bolting-tolerant lettuce as a template,flanking fragments of lettuce plastid rpo A gene were amplified and cloned by PCR. Targeting the sites of these two fragments,homologous recombinant fragments of exogenous gene were integrated to construct lettuce plastid expression vector p Brpo AGFP,which harbored the expression cassette Prrn-gfp-aad A-Tpsb A. The results showed that the amplified flanking fragments were 1.2 and 1.1 kb in size. After sequencing,restriction digestion,ligation and transformation,lettuce plastid expression vector containing expression cassette Prrn-gfp-aad A-Tpsb A was constructed and confirmed by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The results of SDS-PAGE electrophoresis indicated that gfp gene was efficiently expressed under the regulation of plasmid specific promoter Prrn and terminator Tpsb A. GFP accounted for 45. 6% of total soluble proteins; inclusion bodies accounted for 47.5 % of bacterial proteins,which reached relatively high expression levels. The construction of lettuce plastid expression vector p Brpo A-GFP laid a solid foundation for establishment of subsequent lettuce plastid transformation system and genetic improvement of lettuce using various functional genes.

Analysis on Tissue-specific Expression of Dp XTH1 and Dp XTH2 Genes in Dahlia

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the functions and related mechanisms of xyloglucan Endotransglycosylase/hydrolases （XTHs） during the growth and development of dahlia. [Method] Using /3-actin as the reference gene, the rela- tive transcription levels of DpXTH1 and DpXTH2 genes in roots, stems, leaves and petals of dahlia were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. [Result] The DpXTH1 and DpXTH2 were not expressed in the roots, but expressed abundantly in the petals of dahlia. There were little expressions in the stems and leaves of dahlia. [Conclusion] The DpXTH1 and DpXTH2 were petal-specific genes and closely related to the growth and development of petals in dahlia.

Hippocampal gene expression in a rat model of depression after electroacupuncture at the Baihui and Yintang acupoints

Preliminary basic research and clinical findings have demonstrated that electroacupuncture ther- apy exhibits positive effects in ameliorating depression. However, most studies of the underlying mechanism are at the single gene level; there are few reports regarding the mechanism at the whole-genome level. Using a rat genomic gene-chip, we profiled hippocampal gene expression changes in rats after electroacupuncture therapy. Electroacupuncture therapy alleviated depres- sion-related manifestations in the model rats. Using gene-chip analysis, we demonstrated that electroacupuncture at Baihui （DU20） and Yintang （EX-HN3） regulates the expression of 21 genes. Real-time PCR showed that the genes Vgf, lgf2, Trnp32, Loc500373, Hifla, Folrl, Nrnb, and Rtn were upregulated or downregulated in depression and that their expression tended to nor- malize after electroacupuncture therapy. These results indicate that electroacupuncture at Baihui and Yintang modulates depression by regulating the expression of particular genes.

Establishment and Verification of An Efficient Virus-induced Gene Silencing System in Forsythia

To understand the functional identification of large-scale genomic sequences in Forsythia,tobacco rattle virus(TRV)-mediated virus-induced gene silencing(VIGS),suitable for the plant,was explored in this study.The results showed that the TRV-mediated VIGS system could be successfully used in Forsythia for silencing the reporter gene FsPDS(Forsythia phytoene desaturase)using stem infiltration and leaf infiltrationmethods.All the treated plants were pruned below the injection site after 7–15 d infection;the FsPDS was silenced and typical photobleaching symptoms were observed in newly sprouted leaves at the whole-plant level.Meanwhile,this system has been successfully tested and verified through virus detection and qRT-PCR analysis.After the optimization,Forsythia magnesium chelatase subunit H(FsChlH)was silenced successfully in Forsythia using this system,resulting in yellow leaveswith decreased chlorophyll content.The system was stable,highly efficient and had greater rapidity and convenience,which made it suitable to study the function of genes related to physiological pathways such as growth and development,and metabolic regulation in Forsythia.

Interaction between early in ovo stimulation of the gut microbiota and chicken host-splenic changes in gene expression and methylation

Background:Epigenetic regulation of the gene expression results from interaction between the external environment and transcription of the genetic information encoded in DNA.Methylated CpG regions within the gene promoters lead to silencing of the gene expression in most cases.Factors contributing to epigenetic regulation include intestinal microbiota,which in chicken can be potently modified by in ovo stimulation.The main aim of this study was to determine global and specific methylation patterns of the spleen under the influence of host-microbiome interaction.Results:Fertilized eggs of two genotypes:Ross 308 and Green-legged Partridgelike were in ovo stimulated on d 12 of incubation.The injected compounds were as follows:probiotic-Lactococcus lactis subsp.cremoris IBB477,prebiotic-galactooligosaccharides,and synbiotic-combination of both.Chickens were sacrificed on d 42 post-hatching.Spleen was collected,RNA and DNA were isolated and intended to gene expression,gene methylation and global methylation analysis.We have proved that negative regulation of gene expression after administration of bioactive substances in ovo might have epigenetic character.Epigenetic changes depend on the genotype and the substance administered in ovo.Conclusion:Epigenetic nature of microbial reprogramming in poultry and extension of issues related to hostmicrobiome interaction is a new direction of this research.

Gene bank scheduling of seed regeneration: Interim report on a long term storage study

A major challenge for the management of gene banks is the maintenance of good seed health in the collections.Large germplasm collections >10 000 accessions often have been acquired from different sources over a range of dates,may differ in germination at time of deposition in the gene bank,and may have genetic differences in seed longevity.The major storage variables affecting seed longevity are temperature and seed moisture content.Two varieties of each pea(Pisum sativus L.),lentil(Lens culinaris Medikus subsp.culinaris),and chickpea(Cicer arietinum L.),were stored at three temperatures;40,20,and 2°C,each with three seed moisture levels of 10.9–13.8%(high),7.9–10.3%(medium),and 7–7.8%(low),in the Australian Temperate Field Crops Collection gene bank.Seed longevity at a given storage period was estimated by the corresponding germination percentage for each treatment.This paper is an interim report on seed viability decline in the first seven years of this seed longevity study,in which viability decline towards zero was almost completed in the three seed moisture treatments at 40°C and the 20°C high seed moisture treatment,but had not declined in the other treatments.Seed longevity positively responded to a reduction in temperature and then to a reduction in seed moisture.The number of days in storage for seed germination decline to 85%(p85),and to 50%(p50) for mean seed viability,are reported by storage/varietal treatment.Both p85 and p50 showed significant inverse linear responses with seed moisture at 40°C for pea and lentil varieties,with intra-specific variation for pea.This long term trial aims to provide informed timing of seed regeneration for accessions in a gene bank.

Molecular Cloning of a Thiol Proteinase Inhibitor Gene and Its Expression in E.coli

A cDNA library was constructed with 1.5×10~6 pfu from rice immature seeds,fromwhich a cDNA clone for rice thiol proteinase inhibitor,oryzacystatin(OC),was isolated byscreening with synthesized oligodeoxynucleotide probe,which contained a 309bp open read-ing frame,84bp 5′-end noncoding region and a poly(A)signal AATAAA at the 3′-end fol-lowed by 31Nt poly(A).Then the coding region of OC was amplified and inserted into thedownstream of λP_RP_L promoter for thermal-inducible expression in E.coli.Shifting the cul-ture temperature from 30℃ to 42℃ led to a high level expression of OC,which exhibited adistinct band of 12.0 kDa and accounted for at least 10% of the total soluble proteins fromSDS-PAGE.The papain-inhibitory activity of the expressed OC was further confirmed.

Diurnal Changes in the Transcription Profiles of Genes Encoding Starch Synthesis-related Enzymes in Wheat Grains under Field Conditions

[Objective] During the filling stage of plant growth and development, storage starch is diurnally synthesized and accumulated in the grains from cereal crops, but the underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. [Method] In this study, grains from the bread wheat cultivar Zhoumai 18 grown in fields were harvested at 15 d after anthesis, and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) was used to measure the transcriptional levels of 26 genes encoding starch synthesis-related enzymes at 2 h intervals throughout a diurnal cycle. [Result] Our findings indicated that storage starch was persistently synthesized in wheat grains throughout a 24 h period. The diurnal patterns of the transcriptional levels of 26 genes in wheat grains were classified into two groups. The 13 genes in Group 1 were temporally and highly expressed in wheat grains,and their encoded proteins could play crucial roles in starch synthesis. The other 13 genes in Group 2 were characterized by low or no transcription in wheat grains throughout a diurnal cycle, suggesting their function in the synthesis or degradation of transitory starches in wheat grains. [Conclusion] These results provide information on the molecular mechanism of storage starch synthesis in higher plants.

Relationship of calcitonin gene-related peptide with disease progression and prognosis of patients with severe traumatic brain injury

Calcitonin gene-related peptide（CGRP） has been implicated in multiple functions across many bioprocesses; however, whether CGRP is associated with severe traumatic brain injury（TBI） remains poorly understood. In this study, 96 adult patients with TBI（enrolled from September 2015 to December 2016） were divided into a mild/moderate TBI group（36 males and 25 females, aged 38 ± 13 years） and severe TBI group（22 males and 13 females, aged 38 ± 11 years） according to Glasgow Coma Scale scores. In addition, 25 healthy individuals were selected as controls（15 males and 10 females, aged 39 ± 13 years）. Radioimmunoassay was used to detect serum levels of CGRP and endothelin-1 at admission and at 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, and 7 days after admission. CGRP levels were remarkably lower, but endothelin-1 levels were obviously higher in the severe TBI group compared with mild/moderate TBI and control groups. Levels of CGRP were remarkably lower, but endothelin-1 levels were obviously higher in deceased patients compared with patients who survived. Survival analysis and logistic regression showed that both CGRP and endothelin-1 levels were associated with patient mortality, with each serving as an independent risk factor for 6-month mortality of severe TBI patients. Moreover, TBI patients with lower serum CGRP levels had a higher risk of death. Thus, our retrospective analysis demonstrates the potential utility of CGRP as a new biomarker, monitoring method, and therapeutic target for TBI.

育成期能量限饲对6~24周龄蛋鸡生长发育、激素水平和卵巢类固醇激素生成关键基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究育成期(6~17周龄)能量限饲对6~24周龄蛋鸡生长发育、激素水平和卵巢类固醇激素生成关键基因表达的影响。试验选用6周龄海兰褐蛋鸡720只,随机分成3组,每组6个重复,每个重复40只。6~17周龄,3组试验鸡分别饲喂代谢能(ME)水平为12.34(对照组)、11.11(90%能量限饲组)和9.87 MJ/kg(80%能量限饲组)且其他营养水平相同的试验饲粮。18~24周龄,各组试验鸡均饲喂相同的试验饲粮。试验期18周。结果表明:1)随着6~17周龄能量限饲强度增加,17周龄体重、腹脂率、心脏指数和胫骨重以及20周龄体重、腹脂率、股骨重、胫骨重和跖骨重均呈显著线性降低(P<0.05),17周龄胰脏指数、20周龄肝脏指数以及17和20周龄股骨、胫骨和跖骨长度体重比均呈显著线性增加(P<0.05)。6~17周龄能量限饲对24周龄屠体、内脏器官和骨骼发育指标均无显著影响(P>0.05)。2)随着6~17周龄能量限饲强度增加,24周龄血清尿素氮(UN)含量呈显著线性降低(P<0.05),血清高密度脂蛋白(HDL)含量呈显著线性增加(P<0.05)。6~17周龄能量限饲对24周龄其他血清生化指标和肝脏生化指标均无显著影响(P>0.05)。3)80%能量限饲组24周龄血浆孕酮水平显著高于对照组和90%能量限饲组(P<0.05)。4)在卵巢基质部,17、20和24周龄80%和90%能量限饲组36个基因中,26个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著下调(P<0.05),7个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著上调(P<0.05),上调基因分别为17周龄80%和90%能量限饲组的环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白1(CREB1)和细胞色素P450羟化酶1B1(CYP1B1),24周龄90%能量限饲组的CREB1,以及20和24周龄80%能量限饲组的3β-羟基类固醇脱氢酶(3β-HSD)。在大白卵泡膜层,20周龄80%和90%能量限饲组12个基因的mRNA相对表达量均显著上调(P<0.05);24周龄80%和90%能量限饲组12个基因中,9个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著下调(P<0.05),1个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著上调(P<0.05),上调基因为24周龄80%能量限饲组的CREB1。在小黄卵泡膜层,24周龄80%和90%能量限饲组12个基因中,5个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著下调(P<0.05),3个基因的mRNA相对表达量显著上调(P<0.05),上调基因为80%能量限饲组的细胞色素P450羟化酶17A1(CYP17A1)、3β-HSD和CYP1B1。由此可见,6~17周龄能量限饲显著影响了17和20周龄蛋鸡体重、腹脂和骨骼发育,但对24周龄屠体、内脏器官和骨骼发育均无显著影响,且在一定程度上改善了24周龄蛋白质代谢和脂肪代谢相关的生化指标;6~17周龄80%能量限饲增加了血浆孕酮水平,上调了卵巢基质部3β-HSD、大白卵泡膜层CREB1和小黄卵泡膜层CYP17A1、3β-HSD和CYP1B1的mRNA相对表达量。

刺葡萄STS基因克隆及其在不同光质下的表达水平

【目的】研究刺葡萄芪合酶(STS)基因的序列特征及其在不同光质处理下的表达水平,旨在为进一步解析STS基因通过响应光信号调控刺葡萄愈伤组织中白藜芦醇合成的分子机制提供依据。【方法】以刺葡萄愈伤组织为材料,利用逆转录PCR(RT-PCR)技术成功克隆获得了4个STS基因,对这些基因及其编码蛋白进行了生物信息学分析,并利用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测其在不同光质下和不同培养阶段的表达水平。【结果】成功地从刺葡萄愈伤组织中克隆获得了VdSTS5、VdSTS6、VdSTS20、VdSTS21共4个基因,均含1179 bp完整开放阅读框(ORF),编码392个氨基酸残基,预测其编码的是亲水性、无信号肽的细胞质定位蛋白,磷酸化修饰主要发生在苏氨酸和丝氨酸位点上,蛋白质的二级结构主要由α-螺旋、无规则卷曲和延伸链组成,STS与查尔酮合成酶(CHS)的蛋白质序列具有高度同源性。4个VdSTS的蛋白质序列在系统进化树上处于3个不同的大分支中,其中,VdSTS5与VdSTS21处在不同的分支中,而VdSTS6与VdSTS20聚在同一分支中,葡萄属不同种之间的STS蛋白质序列相似度高,推测其可能具有相同的功能。启动子顺式作用元件预测发现,4个VdSTS启动子含有多个光响应元件,还含有转录因子识别和作用元件、激素作用元件等。光质显著影响4个VdSTS的表达,在白光、红光、黄光和黑暗处理下,VdSTS的总体表达水平较高,而在绿光和紫光处理下,VdSTS的总体表达水平较低;同时,VdSTS对不同光质的响应不仅存在着基因间的差异,还存在不同培养阶段的差异,VdSTS5在培养后期强烈响应黄光的调控,VdSTS6、VdSTS20在培养中期对黑暗和红光的响应最强,VdSTS21则在培养中期强烈响应红光的调控,这些基因表达水平的变化影响着刺葡萄愈伤组织中白藜芦醇的合成。【结论】4个VdSTS对光质的响应存在差异,可能在响应不同光质调控中对刺葡萄愈伤组织白藜芦醇的合成起到重要作用。