Design of tandem genes cluster for isoflavone engineering

In this paper,a universal effective novel method of constructing tandem genes cluster for isoflavone engineering was reported.A tandem genes cluster CHS-CHI-IFS(rIFS)of secondary metabolites of plant isoflavones was constructed by using the chalcone synthase(CHS),chalcone isomerase(CHI),and isoflavone synthase(IFS)(GenBank accession numbers EU526827,EU526829,EU526830)in only one recombination with the pET22b vector.The resulting expression vector pET-rIFS was heterogeneously expressed and co-incubated with barrenwort extractions,and the genistein-like com-ponent was detected.

Associations between IL-1RN variable number of tandem repeat, IL-1β (-511) and IL-1β (+3954) gene polymorphisms and urolithiasis in Uighur children of China

Objective:Interleukin-1(IL-1)is a pro-inflammatory cytokine which may be related to urolithiasis.Genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin-1beta(IL-1β)have been proposed as markers for urolithiasis in some areas.Due to the high incidence of urolithiasis in Uighur children(Xinjiang,China)and existence of ethnic difference,our aim is to explore the potential of IL-1 gene polymorphisms and urolithiasis among these children.Methods:Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood of 115 patients and 98 controls were used for genotype polymorphisms analyses.IL-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1RN)gene variable number of tandem repeat(VNTR)gene polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR method.PCR-based restriction analysis was done for the IL-1β(-511)and IL-1β(+3954)gene polymorphisms by endonucleases Ava I and Taq I,respectively.The genotype distribution,allele frequencies,carriage rate,and haplotype frequencies were statistically analyzed.Results:No significant differences were observed in genotypic frequencies between pediatric urolithiasis patients and control group for IL-1RN gene(χ^(2)=1.906,p=0.605),IL-1β(-511)gene(χ^(2)=0.105,p=0.949),or IL-1β(+3954)gene(χ^(2)=3.635,p=0.169).There were yet no significant differences of the allele frequencies of IL-1RN VNTR gene(p=0.779),IL-1β(-511)gene(p=0.941),and IL-1β(+3954)gene(p=0.418)in the case and control groups,as well as the carriage rate and haplotype of them(all p>0.05).Conclusions:The associations between IL-1RN VNTR,IL-1β(-511)and IL-1β(+3954)genes polymorphisms and urolithiasis were not significant in Uighur children.The results need to be confirmed in studies with larger population sample size,as well as in other ethnic groups.

Chromosome-scale genomes of Quercus sichourensis and Quercus rex provide insights into the evolution and adaptation of Fagaceae

The Fagaceae,a plant family with a wide distribution and diverse adaptability,has garnered significant interest as a subject of study in plant speciation and adaptation.Meanwhile,certain Fagaceae species are regarded as highly valuable wood resources due to the exceptional quality of their wood.In this study,we present two high-quality,chromosome-scale genome sequences for Quercus sichourensis(848.75 Mb)and Quercus rex(883.46 Mb).Comparative genomics analysis reveals that the difference in the number of plant disease resistance genes and the nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution ratio(Ka/Ks)of protein-coding genes among Fagaceae species are related to different environmental adaptations.Interestingly,most genes related to starch synthesis in the investigated Quercoideae species are located on a single chromosome,as compared to the outgroup species,Fagus sylvatica.Furthermore,resequencing and population analysis of Q.sichourensis and Q.rex reveal that Q.sichourensis has lower genetic diversity and higher deleterious mutations compared to Q.rex.The high-quality,chromosome-level genomes and the population genomic analysis of the critically endangered Q.sichourensis and Q.rex will provide an invaluable resource as well as insights for future study in these two species,even the genus Quercus,to facilitate their conservation.