Transformation of Metallothionein Gene into Mushroom Protoplasts by Application of Electroporation

Metallothionein gene (MT) has been transferred into mushroom protoplasts by electroporation. It is a low molecular weight, cysteine-rich and metal-binding protein. MT can bind metals. Its synthesis is induced by Zn ion. Thus the expression of MT gene in mushroom can improve the accumulation of Zn in this fungus. This transgenic mushroom, consumed as a kind of vegetable, can supply the necessary Zn to people who are short of the element. When protoplasts were prepared, the concentration (C) of protoplasts is 6.745 x 10(6) /mL. After protoplast electroporation, the transformation rate of protoplasts is 0.01 %. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis showed that the gene had been integrated into the mushroom chromosome, SDS-PAGE, Western blot analysis indicated that the MT gene had been expressed in the transgenic mushroom. The expressing level, detected by ELISA, is 0.6 % - 0.8 %. Tested for metal resistance, the wild-type mushroom growth was inhibited on die medium containing 1.0 - 1.2 mmoL/L ZnSO4. While the transgenic mushroom was inhibited on the medium containing 1. 5 - 2.0 mmol/L ZnSO4. The mycelium can develop into hymenophore in the medium of rice bran: sawdust = 1: 3, and not in the medium of rice bran: sawdust = 1: 4.

Flow Cytometric Evidence for Hydroxyl Radical-induced Apoptosis in Tobacco Protoplasts

Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and peripheral distribution of nuclei, TUNEL positive reaction, and DNA ladders were observed when tobacco protoplasts were treated with the hydroxyl radical generating system (1.0 mmol/L FeSO4/0.5 mmol/L H2O2). In animals, the loss of transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and the exposure of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) are believed to be the main apoptosis events. To test whether these significant processes take place in plants, flow cytometry was used to detect annexin V binding and changes in DeltaPsi(m). Results showed that the PS turned out from inner membrane and DeltaPsi(m) gradually decreased during the apoptosis. All these apoptotic characteristics proved that hydroxyl radicals can cause typical programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco protoplasts and this design can be served as an effective experiment system to explore the mechanism of plant apoptosis.

Contributions of Chinese Botanists to Plant Tissue Culture in the 20th entury

This paper looks back to the development of plant tissue culture in China in the last century. Since 1934, tissue culture studies in China has kept up with the international development in the fields. Progress has been made by Chinese in nearly every branches of tissue culture, including in vitro organogenesis, shoot tip culture, anther culture, ovary culture, endosperm culture, protoplast culture as well as mass cell culture. On the basis of reviewing the articles written by Chinese on plant tissue culture, the internationally recognized contributions are specially mentioned. The applications of plant tissue culture to agriculture and industry in China are also introduced.

Progress in Research on Intercellular Movement of Protoplasm in Higher Plants

Since nuclear extrusion was rediscovered in young Allium scale by S.H.WU in the years of 1950's systematic investigations on this phenomenon were carried out with various kinds of microscopic techniques and plant materials to collect more effective evidence to clarify the debate about whether the nuclear extrusion is an artifact or normal event. In the cooperative research of S. H. WU and C. H. LOU the normality of the occurrence of nuclear extrusion either in growing part of plant or in senescent tissue has been confirmed. This event is intimately associated with the physiological state of the tissues/cells and may play an important role in redistribution and reutilization of cell contents. Based on the results obtained a hypothesis of intercellular movement of protoplasm as a means of translocation of organic material in plants was suggested. Chromatin extrusion was also discovered in the pollen mother cells (cytomixis) of certain angiosperms by G. C. ZHENG and his team. Intercellular migration of chromatin appears most frequently at the stage of synizesis. Cytomixis has been studied in relation to variation and evolution. Chromosome aberration has been considered to be closely associated with chromatin extrusion. By vital microscopic observations of the live tissues of garlic (Allium sativum L.) bud and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) ovule combined with cinemicroscopy and video recording it has been uncovered that, not only the nuclear material but also the cytoplasm could traverse the intercellular channels by vigorous contraction and expansion, and they may simultaneously extrude out of a cell but often asynchronously migrate from one cell to another. The involvement of cytoplasmic constituents in intercellular migration was also detected in pollen mother cells with electron microscopy. Regarding the mechanism of intercellular movement a series of experiments provide convincing evidence showing that this kind of movement is an active metabolic process closely coupled with energy metabolism, and the motive power for driving the extrusion may be supplied by the contractile proteins in protoplasm.

Formation Conditions of Aspergiilus oryzae Protoplast

[Objective] To explore the efficient way for the preparation of Aspergillus oryzae protoplast.[Method] The statistics of protoplast yield by the enzymolysis of mycelia with different culture time,different osmotic stabilizers and different concentrations of enzyme system was carried out in this study.[Result] The protoplast yield was higher when the mycelium was cultivated for 108 h,and the osmotic stabilizer was 0.8 mol/L of NaCl.With the enzymes system of 2 mg/ml of lysozyme,6 mg/ml of cellulose and 6 mg/ml of glusulase,the protoplast yield achieved its highest,which was up to 9.0×105 per ml.[Conclusion] The yield of protoplast was affected by the situation of mycelia themselves and external conditions.This study had provided a basis for the preparation of a large number of active protoplasts and the further researches on cell fusion.

Studies on Parameters Affecting Embryogenesis of Protoplasts Isolated from Suspension of Embryogenic Cells in Loblolly Pine

Protoplasts of embryogenic suspension cells of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L).were isolated at exponential growth stage.Influences of various concentrations of basal medium,levels of BA,and concentrations of inositol on the differentiation of embryonal suspensor mass (ESM),early stage somatic embryos (ESE) ,and lae stage somatic embryos (LSE) were investigated .A study of the effect of various concentrations of LP basal medium sowed that the optimal basal medium concentration of ESM,ESE,and LSE differentiation was 1.25 LP medium.The effects of various levels of BA and inositol showed that the optimal concentrations of BA for the formation of ESM,ESE and LSE were 4 mg/L ,2mg/L and 1mg/L,respectively ,and the optimal concentrations of inositol for the ESM ,ESE and LSM formation were 400mg/L,800mg/L and 1,200mg/L,respectively.

Production of Somatic Hybrid Plants Between Two Types of Wheat Protoplasts and the Protoplasts of Haynaldia villosa

小麦 (TriticumaestivumL .)济南 177的两种原生质体 ,一种来自快速生长的悬浮细胞 ,它们因长期继代而丧失分化能力 ,其染色体只有 2n =2 4～ 2 8;另一种来自可以再生的愈伤组织 ,其原生质体不能持续分裂。它们中任一种与UV照射过的簇毛麦原生质体融合均不能再生植株。然而当它们混合在一起作为受体时 ,能够获得再生绿色植株。细胞核基因和胞质基因的分析证明这些绿色植株是杂种。以上事实说明这两种原生质体在融合时存在某些互补的关系 ,讨论了这种融合方式的可能作用及重要性。

Research on Protoplast Preparation and Regeneration Conditions of Tremella aurantialba

[Objective] This study aimed to explore the protoplast preparation and re- generation conditions of Tremella aurantialba. [Method] Optimal combination of five factors affecting the protoplast preparation and regeneration of Tremella aurantialba was selected by using orthogonal experiment, including enzyme system, culture age, enzymolysis temperature, enzymolysis duration and osmotic stabilizer. [Result] The results showed that there were three release modes of Tremella aurantialba proto- plasts： release from top in the early period of enzymolysis, release from the side and release in situ. The optimal protoplast preparation condition was selecting mycelium cultured in liquid medium for 3 d, for enzymolysis in mixed enzyme solu- tion containing 1% of cellulase ＋1% of snailase ＋1% of lywallzyme at 36 ℃; for 4 h, with 0.6 mol/L sucrose as osmotic stabilizer, and the obtained preparation rate had reached 1.76 ×10^7 protoplasts/ml. The optimal regeneration condition was using mycelium cultured in liquid medium for 5 d, for enzymolysis in enzyme solution con- taining 1.5% of lywallzyme at 33 ℃ for 3 h, with 0.6 mol/L sucrose as osmotic sta- bilizer, and the regeneration rate had reached 0.22%. [Conclusion] This study provid- ed valuable support for protoplast fusion, ultraviolet mutation breeding and genetic engineering research.

Uterine receptivity and the plasma membrane transformation

This review begins with a brief commentary on the diversity of placentation mechanisms, and then goes on to examine the extensive alterations which occur in the plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy across species. Ultrastructural, biochemical and more general morphological data reveal that strikingly common phenomena occur in this plasma membrane during early pregnancy despite the diversity of placental types-from epitheliochorial to hemochorial, which ultimately form in different species. To encapsulate the concept that common morphological and molecular alterations occur across species, that they are found basolaterally as well as apically, and that moreover they are an ongoing process during much of early pregnancy, not just an event at the time attachment, the term 'plasma membrane transformation' is suggested which also emphasises that alterations in this plasma membrane during early pregnancy are key to uterine receptivity.

Characterization of Gate Dielectric Using Oxides Generated by in situ Steam Generation

A new process for gate dielectric fabrication named in situ steam generation （ISSG） is reported. Based on the Deal-Grove model, an oxidation mechanism is proposed to break the Si- Si bond by an active atomic O and form a Si- O - Si bond during the oxidation process. The breakdown characteristics are investigated through a MOS-capacitor for both ISSG and furnace wet oxidation. The gate dielectric material generated by ISSG oxidation has a superior electrical performance owing to sufficient oxidation of weak Si-Si bonds relative to furnace wet oxidation,indicating a promising application in sub-micron IC device manufacturing.

A Comparison of Different Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis(Rhodophyta) Parts in Biochemical Characteristics, Protoplast Formation and Regeneration

Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a commercially exploited alga. Its filaceous thallus can be divided into three parts, holdfast, middle segment and tip. The growth and branch forming trend and agar content of these three parts were analyzed, respectively, in this study. The results showed that the tip had the highest growth rate and branched most, although it was the last part with branch forming ability. The holdfast formed branches earliest but slowly. Holdfast had the highest agar content. We also assessed the difference in protoplast formation and regeneration among three parts. The middle segment displayed the shortest enzymolysis time and the highest protoplast yield; whereas the tip had the strongest vitality of protoplasts formation. Juvenile plants were only obtained from the protoplasts generated from the tip. These results suggested that the differentiation and function of G. lemaneiformis was different.

Plants regenerated from mesophyll protoplasts of white mulberry

Morus alba(white mulberry) mesophyll protoplasts were isolated from leaves of 30-45 day old sterile shoots,with protoplast yields of 2.5 x 107 g-1/F.W. after purification. The protoplasts were cultured in a modified K8P liquid medium containing 0.2 mg/L 2,4-D(2,4- Dichlorophe-noxy acetic acid), 1 mg/L NAA(Naphthyl acetic acid) and 0.5 mg/L BA(6-benzylaminopurine). A low plating density (5 x 104/ml) proved to be favourable to the division of protoplast-derived cells. The first divisioll occurred 4 days after culture, and the division frequency reached 24% at 10 days. A number of cell colonies and microcalli formed in 6 weeks. The microcalli were transferred onto MSB medium with 0.5 mg/L NAA and 0.5 mg/L BA for further proliferation. Shoot formation was initiated when the calli of 3-4 mm in size were transferred onto MSB differentiation medium with 0.1 mg/L NAA and 1 mg/L BA. The frequency of shoot formation was 35%. The shoots of 4-5 cm in height were excised from the callus and rooted on half strength MS medium with 0.5 mg/L IBA and 0.1 mg/L BA. After transplantation into pots, the regenerated plants grew vigorously in the phytotron.

Early development of Grateloupia turuturu (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta)

Grateloupia turuturu is a commercial red alga with potential value in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. To supplement information on its life history and verify whether carpospores can be used for seedling culture, early development of G. turuturu was investigated under culture conditions （27~C, 10-13 ~mol/（mZ.s） in irradiance, photoperiod 10：14 h L：D）. Three physiological stages were recognized by continuous microscopic observation： division stage, discoid crust stage, and juvenile seedling stage. At the beginning of the division stage, the carpospores developed germ tubes into which the carpospore protoplasm was evacuated, and then the carpospore protoplasm in the germ tubes began to divide continuously until discoid crusts formed. Finally, upright thalli appeared on the discoid crusts and developed into juvenile seedlings. It took about 60 days for carpospores to develop into juvenile seedlings. The growth parameters, including germination rate for carpospores and discoid crust diameter, were recorded. These results contribute more information on the life cycle, and at the same time are of great significance in the scaling-up of artificial seedling cultures of G. turuturu.

Preparation of anti-mouse caspase-12 mRNA hammerhead ribozyme and identification of its activity in vitro

AIM:To prepare and identify specific anti-mouse caspase-12 hammerhead ribozymes in vitro, in order to select a more effective ribozyme against mouse caspase-12 as a potential tool to rescue cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis. METHODS: Two hammerhead ribozymes directed separately against 138 and 218 site of nucleotide of mouse caspase-12 mRNA were designed by computer software, and their DNA sequences were synthesized. The synthesized ribozymes were cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector-neorpBSKU6 and embedded in U6 SnRNA context for further study. Mouse caspase-12 gene segment was cloned into PGEM-T vector under the control of T7 RNA polymerase promoter (containing gene sequence from positions nt 41 to nt 894) as target. In vitro transcription both the ribozymes and target utilize T7 promoter. The target was labeled with [α-32P]UTP, while ribozymes were not labeled. After gel purification the RNAs were dissolved in RNase free water. Ribozyme and target were incubated for 90 min at 37 ℃ in reaction buffer (40 mmol/L Tris-HCL, pH 7.5, 10 mmol/L Mg2+). Molar ratio of ribozyme vs target was 30:1. Samples were analyzed on 6% PAGE (containing 8 mol/L urea). RESULTS: Both caspase-12 and ribozyme gene sequences were successfully cloned into expression vector confirmed by sequencing. Ribozymes and caspase-12 mRNA were obtained by in vitro transcription. Cleavage experiment showed that in a physiological similar condition (37 ℃, pH 7.5), Rz138 and Rz218 both cleaved targets at predicted sites, for Rz138 the cleavage efficiency was about 100%, for Rz218 the value was 36.66%. CONCLUSION: Rzl38 prepared in vitro can site specific cleave mouse caspase-12 mRNA with an excellent efficiency. It shows a potential to suppress the expression of caspase-12 in vivo, thus provided a new way to protect cells from ER stress induced apoptosis.

Improvement of chromium biosorption through protoplast electrofusion between Candida tropicalis and Candida lipolytica

Protoplasts from Candida tropicalis and Candida lipolytica were fused under an optimized electrofusion （electrical pulse strength 6 kV/cm, pulse duration time 40μs and pulse times 5） and then regenerated on YEPD media for achieving new genotypes with higher chromium loading capacity. A target fusant RHJ-004 was screened out by its chromium resistance and chromium-sorbing capacity tests for further research. The comparative study of applicability shows that the fusant has better performance than its parent strains in respect of solution pH, biomass concentration and chromium loading capacity. Especially for treating low concentration Cr（VI） （〈20 mg/L）, above 80% chromium is sequestered from the aqueous phase at pH 1-9. Atomic force microscopy （AFM） visualizes the distribution of chromium on the binding sites of the cells, suggesting that the altered surface structure and intracellular constitutes of the fusant associate with its increased biosorption capacity. The rapid biosorption processes of chromium foUow the Langmuir model well.

Plant regeneration from protoplasts of hydroxyprolineresistant cell line in Onobrychis viciaefolia

An efficient protocol for plant regeneration from protoplasts of hydroxyproline(HYP)resistant cell line of Onoblychis viciaefolia was established. In SH medium supplemented with 1 mg/L 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D), 0.5 mg/L kinetin (KT) and 0.2 mg/L naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), the division frequency of protoplastderived cells reached uP to over 60 %, and microcalli were obtained in 5-6 wk. Upon transferring them on agar solidified MS medium plus 2 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), shoots were induced. After cultivating them on MS medium with or without IAA, roots were regenerated.Chromosome number of all protoplast-regenerated plants examined were normal (2n=28). The protoplast-derived calli and plants grew vigorously on the medium containing 10 mmol/L HYP.

Ultrastructure of Single Cells, Callus-like and Monospore-like Cells in Porphyra yezoensis Ueda on Semi-solid Culture Medium

It had been demonstrated that individual cells or protoplasts isolated fromPorphyrathallus by enzyme could develop into normal leafy thalli in the same way as monospores, and that isolated cells develop in different way in liquid and on semi-solid media. The authors observed the ultrastructure of isolated vegetative cells cultured on semi-solid media and compared them with those of monospores and isolated cells cultured in liquid media. The results showed that subcellular structures were quite different among cells in different conditions. In their development, isolated cells on semi-solid media did not show the characteristic subcellular feature of monospore formation, such as production of fibrous vesicles. Callus-like cells formed on semi-solid media underwent a distinctive modification in cellular organization. They developed characteristic cell inclusions and a special 2-layer cell covering. Golgi bodies, ER, starch grains, mitochondria. Vacuoles were not commonly found in them.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in Lebanon: Etiology and prognostic factors associated with short-term survival

AIM： To study the epidemiology of HCC in Lebanon and prognostic factors predictive of early mortality. METHODS： An observational follow-up cohort study of HCC cases diagnosed over a five-year period was carried out. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify prognostic factors in comparison to Cancer of the Liver italian Program （CUP） score. Multiple variables including the etiology of underlying liver disease, the demographic characteristics of patients, and the severity of liver disease evaluated by the Child-Pugh score were studied. Tumor parameters included the time of diagnosis of HCC, alpha-fetoprotein level, number and size of nodules, presence of portal vein thrombosis, and treatment modalities. Death or loss of follow-up was considered as an end-point event. RESULTS： Ninety-two patients （mean 60.5 ± 22.3 years） were included. Etiology of underlying disease was hepatitis B, C, and alcohol in 67%, 20%, and 23.5% respectively. Child-Pugh class at diagnosis was A, B, and C in 34.8%, 39.3% and 25.8% respectively. Overall survival was 44.8%, 32.8% and 17.6% at 1, 2 and 3 years respectively （mean F/U 40.2 ± 23.5 mo）. Multivariate analysis identified three predictors of early mortality （〈 6 mo）： bilirubin 〉 3.2 mg/dL （P 〈 0.01）, HCC as first presentation of liver disease （P = 0.035）, and creatinine 〉 1 mg/dL （P = 0.017）. A score based on these variables outperformed the CLIP score by Cox proportional hazard. ROC curve showed both models to be equivalent and moderately accurate.CONCLUSION： HBV is the leading cause of HCC in Lebanon. Independent predictors of early mortality are elevated bilirubin, creatinine and HCC as first manifestation of disease. Prospective validation of a score based on these clinical parameters in predicting short-term survival is needed.

Isolation of Protoplasts from Undaria pinnatifida by Alginate Lyase Digestion

The aim of this study is to isolate protoplasts from Undaria pinnatifida. Protoplasts of the alga were isolated enzymatically by using alginate lyase, which was prepared by fermenting culture of a strain Vibrio sp. 510. Monofacterial method was applied for optimizing digestion condition. The optimum condition for protoplast preparation is enzymatic digestion at 28 ℃ for 2 h using alginate lyase at the concentration of 213.36 U (8 mL) every 0.5 g fresh thalline with NaCl 50 and at the shaking speed of 150 r min -1 during digestion. The protoplast yield can reach 2.62±0.09 million per 0.5 g fresh leave under the optimum condition. The enzyme activity is inhibited by Ca 2+ and slightly enhanced by Fe 2+ and Mn 2+ at concentrations of 0.05, 0.08 and 0.10 mol L -1.