Carotenoids, a class of natural pigments found in all photosynthetic organisms, are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including coloration, photoprotection, biosynthesis of abscisic acid （ABA） and ch...Carotenoids, a class of natural pigments found in all photosynthetic organisms, are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including coloration, photoprotection, biosynthesis of abscisic acid （ABA） and chloroplast biogenesis. Although carotenoid biosynthesis has been well studied biochemically, the genetic basis of the pathway is not well understood. Here, we report the characterization of two allelic Arabidopsis mutants, spontaneous cell death1-1 （spcl-1） and spc1-2. The weak allele spc1-1 mutant showed characteristics of bleached leaves, accumulation of superoxide and mosaic cell death. The strong mutant allele spc1-2 caused a complete arrest of plant growth and development shortly after germination, leading to a seedling-lethal phenotype. Genetic and molecular analyses indicated that SPC1 encodes a putative ζ-carotene desaturase （ZDS） in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Analysis of carotenoids revealed that several major carotenoid compounds downstream of SPC 1/ZDS were substantially reduced in spc1-1, suggesting that SPC 1 is a functional ZDS. Consistent with the downregulated expression of CAO and PORB, the chlorophyll content was decreased in spc1-1 plants. In addition, expression of Lhcb1. 1, Lhcbl. 4 and RbcS was absent in spc1-2, suggesting the possible involvement of carotenoids in the plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signaling. The spc1-1 mutant also displays an ABA-deficient phenotype that can be partially rescued by the externally supplied phytohormone. These results suggest that SPC1/ZDS is essential for biosynthesis of carotenoids and plays a crucial role in plant growth and development.展开更多
In this report, a conservation priority scenario for endemic birds of China's Mainland is proposed from a phylogenetic perspective. By utilizing and comparing seven phylogenetic diversity (PD) indices, the study s...In this report, a conservation priority scenario for endemic birds of China's Mainland is proposed from a phylogenetic perspective. By utilizing and comparing seven phylogenetic diversity (PD) indices, the study shows that the top ifve endemic birds with high conservation priority are Ar-borophila ardens, A. gingica, A. ruifpectus, Lophophorus lhuysii and Alectoris magna respectively. The ranking of species, based on the IUCN Red List and PD indices, were compared by means of a Wilcox signed rank test and Pearson’s correlation, drawing the inference that the PD ranking of endemic birds for China's Mainland shows a distinct and statistically signiifcant difference from the IUCN rank-ing. Therefore, the ranking of conservation priority for endemic birds of China using PD indices might offer new insights on species conservation from an evolutionary-heritage perspective, serving as a complement to the IUCN ranking.展开更多
Mitochondrial genome has been widely used in species identification and gene conservation.In the present study,the complete mitochondrial genome of Oula sheep(Ovis aries)was determined using next-generation sequencing...Mitochondrial genome has been widely used in species identification and gene conservation.In the present study,the complete mitochondrial genome of Oula sheep(Ovis aries)was determined using next-generation sequencing.This genome was16 618 bp(NCBI accession number:KU575248)and contained 13 protein coding genes,22 transfer RNA genes,two ribosomal RNA genes,and a typical control region.The overall nucleotide composition was 33.7%A,27.4%T,25.8%C,and 13.1%G,with a total A+T content of 61.1%.The phylogenetic analysis of selected sheep breeds showed that Oula sheep were clustered within branch A and originated from approximately 6 ka.This mitochondrial genome will provide valuable information for molecular genetic research of Oula sheep.展开更多
To investigate the cytogenetic parameters and characterise the chromosomal banding pattern of Tho-Tho cattle, a breed of indigenous cattle found in the Northeastern states of India were reared for meat purpose. Lympho...To investigate the cytogenetic parameters and characterise the chromosomal banding pattern of Tho-Tho cattle, a breed of indigenous cattle found in the Northeastern states of India were reared for meat purpose. Lymphocyte culture technique was carried out in 28 Tho-Tho cattle and culture was harvested for good metaphase spread. Good metaphase spreads were selected for analysis, such as relative length, centromeric index and arm ratio. Centromeric banding （C-banding） and reverse banding （R-banding） methods were done for detail and better understanding of the chromosome morphology. The chromosome number in Tho-Tho cattle was observed to be 2n = 60 in all complete metaphase. The mean relative length of the autosomal chromosomes varied from 5.48% ：~ 0.107% to 1.79% ＋ 0.105% in male and 5.31% ：E 0.148% to 1.86% ＋ 0.055% in female, respectively. The chromosome banding showed C-positive dark band heterochromatin in all the acrocentric autosome. However, in sex chromosome, the Y-chromosome showed negative C-band and also the X-chromosome did not show any stain at the centromeric region. The numbers of R-band pattern were observed to be 490 and 499 band in male and female, respectively. One of the X-chromosome showed light banding pattern, confirming the inactivation during the embryonic development in female. The fundamental chromosome number and banding pattern of Tho-Tho cattle did not vary from the other breed of the Bos indicus. However, it is necessary to start a cytogenetic screening of the Tho-Tho cattle and expand upon more number to be kept at different villages of Nagaland in order to identify animals with chromosomal abnormalities, so that it can be excluded from future breeding strategies for conservation of Tho-Tho genetic resource.展开更多
Spinal cord injury(SCI),which is much in the public eye,is still a refractory disease compromising the well-being of both patients and society.In spite of there being many methods dealing with the lesion,there is stil...Spinal cord injury(SCI),which is much in the public eye,is still a refractory disease compromising the well-being of both patients and society.In spite of there being many methods dealing with the lesion,there is still a deficiency in comprehensive strategies covering all facets of this damage.Further,we should also mention the structure called the corticospinal tract(CST)which plays a crucial role in the motor responses of organisms,and it will be the focal point of our attention.In this review,we discuss a variety of strategies targeting different dimensions following SCI and some treatments that are especially efficacious to the CST are emphasized.Over recent decades,researchers have developed many effective tactics involving five approaches:(1)tackle more extensive regions;(2)provide a regenerative microenvironment;(3)provide a glial microenvironment;(4)transplantation;and(5)other auxiliary methods,for instance,rehabilitation training and electrical stimulation.We review the basic knowledge on this disease and correlative treatments.In addition,some well-formulated perspectives and hypotheses have been delineated.We emphasize that such a multifaceted problem needs combinatorial approaches,and we analyze some discrepancies in past studies.Finally,for the future,we present numerous brand-new latent tactics which have great promise for curbing SCI.展开更多
Inclusive fitness benefits depend on recognizing the right individuals to interact with. Social insect nests protect themselves from non-kin intruders through nestmate recognition based on chemical cues. The recogniti...Inclusive fitness benefits depend on recognizing the right individuals to interact with. Social insect nests protect themselves from non-kin intruders through nestmate recognition based on chemical cues. The recognition cues on adult individu- als are from a mixture of genetic and environmental sources, but the ontogeny and use of recognition cues on eggs has not been previously assessed. We studied recognition by workers of eggs that were either nestmates or non-nestmates, and the ontogeny of recognition cues on eggs in the ant Formica fusca, a species with precise egg recognition abilities. Workers were able to dis- criminate among freshly laid eggs with no nest derived cues on them, and the egg surface chemicals varied among nests in these eggs, suggesting that queen derived cues are used in nestmate recognition. The results are discussed in the light of their implica- tions on deceptive social parasite strategies and within colony conflicts展开更多
基金grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant Nos. 30330360, 30125025 , 30221002） Chinese Academy of Sciences （Grant No. KSCX2- YW-N-015）
文摘Carotenoids, a class of natural pigments found in all photosynthetic organisms, are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including coloration, photoprotection, biosynthesis of abscisic acid （ABA） and chloroplast biogenesis. Although carotenoid biosynthesis has been well studied biochemically, the genetic basis of the pathway is not well understood. Here, we report the characterization of two allelic Arabidopsis mutants, spontaneous cell death1-1 （spcl-1） and spc1-2. The weak allele spc1-1 mutant showed characteristics of bleached leaves, accumulation of superoxide and mosaic cell death. The strong mutant allele spc1-2 caused a complete arrest of plant growth and development shortly after germination, leading to a seedling-lethal phenotype. Genetic and molecular analyses indicated that SPC1 encodes a putative ζ-carotene desaturase （ZDS） in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. Analysis of carotenoids revealed that several major carotenoid compounds downstream of SPC 1/ZDS were substantially reduced in spc1-1, suggesting that SPC 1 is a functional ZDS. Consistent with the downregulated expression of CAO and PORB, the chlorophyll content was decreased in spc1-1 plants. In addition, expression of Lhcb1. 1, Lhcbl. 4 and RbcS was absent in spc1-2, suggesting the possible involvement of carotenoids in the plastid-to-nucleus retrograde signaling. The spc1-1 mutant also displays an ABA-deficient phenotype that can be partially rescued by the externally supplied phytohormone. These results suggest that SPC1/ZDS is essential for biosynthesis of carotenoids and plays a crucial role in plant growth and development.
基金supported by the University of British Columbiasupported by China Scholarship Council
文摘In this report, a conservation priority scenario for endemic birds of China's Mainland is proposed from a phylogenetic perspective. By utilizing and comparing seven phylogenetic diversity (PD) indices, the study shows that the top ifve endemic birds with high conservation priority are Ar-borophila ardens, A. gingica, A. ruifpectus, Lophophorus lhuysii and Alectoris magna respectively. The ranking of species, based on the IUCN Red List and PD indices, were compared by means of a Wilcox signed rank test and Pearson’s correlation, drawing the inference that the PD ranking of endemic birds for China's Mainland shows a distinct and statistically signiifcant difference from the IUCN rank-ing. Therefore, the ranking of conservation priority for endemic birds of China using PD indices might offer new insights on species conservation from an evolutionary-heritage perspective, serving as a complement to the IUCN ranking.
基金Supported by the Central Public-Interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund(1610322016006)Science and Technology Support Projects in Gansu Province(1504NKCA052)the Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS-ASTIP-2014-LIHPS-01)
文摘Mitochondrial genome has been widely used in species identification and gene conservation.In the present study,the complete mitochondrial genome of Oula sheep(Ovis aries)was determined using next-generation sequencing.This genome was16 618 bp(NCBI accession number:KU575248)and contained 13 protein coding genes,22 transfer RNA genes,two ribosomal RNA genes,and a typical control region.The overall nucleotide composition was 33.7%A,27.4%T,25.8%C,and 13.1%G,with a total A+T content of 61.1%.The phylogenetic analysis of selected sheep breeds showed that Oula sheep were clustered within branch A and originated from approximately 6 ka.This mitochondrial genome will provide valuable information for molecular genetic research of Oula sheep.
文摘To investigate the cytogenetic parameters and characterise the chromosomal banding pattern of Tho-Tho cattle, a breed of indigenous cattle found in the Northeastern states of India were reared for meat purpose. Lymphocyte culture technique was carried out in 28 Tho-Tho cattle and culture was harvested for good metaphase spread. Good metaphase spreads were selected for analysis, such as relative length, centromeric index and arm ratio. Centromeric banding （C-banding） and reverse banding （R-banding） methods were done for detail and better understanding of the chromosome morphology. The chromosome number in Tho-Tho cattle was observed to be 2n = 60 in all complete metaphase. The mean relative length of the autosomal chromosomes varied from 5.48% ：~ 0.107% to 1.79% ＋ 0.105% in male and 5.31% ：E 0.148% to 1.86% ＋ 0.055% in female, respectively. The chromosome banding showed C-positive dark band heterochromatin in all the acrocentric autosome. However, in sex chromosome, the Y-chromosome showed negative C-band and also the X-chromosome did not show any stain at the centromeric region. The numbers of R-band pattern were observed to be 490 and 499 band in male and female, respectively. One of the X-chromosome showed light banding pattern, confirming the inactivation during the embryonic development in female. The fundamental chromosome number and banding pattern of Tho-Tho cattle did not vary from the other breed of the Bos indicus. However, it is necessary to start a cytogenetic screening of the Tho-Tho cattle and expand upon more number to be kept at different villages of Nagaland in order to identify animals with chromosomal abnormalities, so that it can be excluded from future breeding strategies for conservation of Tho-Tho genetic resource.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81472504,81401822,and 81572177)the Science and Technology Foundation of Zhejiang Province(No.2016C33151)+1 种基金the Medical Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Province of China(Nos.2016146428,2016KYA096,and 2017KY071)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.Y17H160033,LQ14H060002,and LY14H060004)
文摘Spinal cord injury(SCI),which is much in the public eye,is still a refractory disease compromising the well-being of both patients and society.In spite of there being many methods dealing with the lesion,there is still a deficiency in comprehensive strategies covering all facets of this damage.Further,we should also mention the structure called the corticospinal tract(CST)which plays a crucial role in the motor responses of organisms,and it will be the focal point of our attention.In this review,we discuss a variety of strategies targeting different dimensions following SCI and some treatments that are especially efficacious to the CST are emphasized.Over recent decades,researchers have developed many effective tactics involving five approaches:(1)tackle more extensive regions;(2)provide a regenerative microenvironment;(3)provide a glial microenvironment;(4)transplantation;and(5)other auxiliary methods,for instance,rehabilitation training and electrical stimulation.We review the basic knowledge on this disease and correlative treatments.In addition,some well-formulated perspectives and hypotheses have been delineated.We emphasize that such a multifaceted problem needs combinatorial approaches,and we analyze some discrepancies in past studies.Finally,for the future,we present numerous brand-new latent tactics which have great promise for curbing SCI.
文摘Inclusive fitness benefits depend on recognizing the right individuals to interact with. Social insect nests protect themselves from non-kin intruders through nestmate recognition based on chemical cues. The recognition cues on adult individu- als are from a mixture of genetic and environmental sources, but the ontogeny and use of recognition cues on eggs has not been previously assessed. We studied recognition by workers of eggs that were either nestmates or non-nestmates, and the ontogeny of recognition cues on eggs in the ant Formica fusca, a species with precise egg recognition abilities. Workers were able to dis- criminate among freshly laid eggs with no nest derived cues on them, and the egg surface chemicals varied among nests in these eggs, suggesting that queen derived cues are used in nestmate recognition. The results are discussed in the light of their implica- tions on deceptive social parasite strategies and within colony conflicts
