Natural nitrogen isotope composition(δ^(15)N) is an indicator of nitrogen sources and is useful in the investigation of nitrogen cycling in organisms and ecosystems. δ^(15)N is also used to study assimilation of ino...Natural nitrogen isotope composition(δ^(15)N) is an indicator of nitrogen sources and is useful in the investigation of nitrogen cycling in organisms and ecosystems. δ^(15)N is also used to study assimilation of inorganic nitrogen. However, the foliar δ^(15)N of intact plants, which is a consequence of nitrate assimilation occurring in the roots and shoots, is not suited for studying nitrate assimilation in cases where nitrate is the sole nitrogen source. In this study, Orychophragmus violaceus(Ov) and Brassica napus(Bn) plantlets, in which nitrate assimilation occurred in the leaves, were used to study the relationship between foliar δ^(15)N and nitrate assimilation.The plantlets were grown in vitro in culture media with different nitrate concentrations, and no root formation occurred for the plantlets during the multiplication stage.Nitrogen isotope fractionation occurred in both the Ov and the Bn plantlets under all treatments. Furthermore, the foliar nitrogen content of both the Ov and Bn plantlets increased with increasing nitrate concentration. Foliar nitrogen isotope fractionation was negatively correlated with foliar nitrogen content for both the Ov and Bn plantlets. Our results suggest that the foliar nitrogen isotope fractionation value could be employed to evaluate nitrate assimilation ability and leaf nitrate reductase activity.Moreover, high external nitrate concentrations couldcontribute to improved foliar nitrogen content and enhanced nitrate assimilation ability.展开更多
AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving se...AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 to the culture medium. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell /ysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS： In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels, pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.CONCLUSION： Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.展开更多
In this research the results of studies on optimization of alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis are reported. The parameters, which were taken into consideration, are pH, temperature, time course of ...In this research the results of studies on optimization of alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis are reported. The parameters, which were taken into consideration, are pH, temperature, time course of enzyme production, stirring rate and kinetics parameters. The effect of various carbon and nitrogen sources in culture medium compound on enzyme production was also considered The result of optimization revealed that maximum protease production was obtained at 37 ℃, pH equivalent tol 0.0 and with 150 rpm will occur after 72 hours. By comparing the effect of 5 carbon sources （maltose, glucose, starch, casein and lactose） in enzyme production, it has been known that using lactose will increase about 1.5 times enzyme production, compared to condition in which maltose is used. The result of studies on the effect of five nitrogen sources （i.e., peptone, tryptone, ammonium sulfate, urea and corn steep liquor） shows that corn steep liqour increases enzyme production more than others, while peptone can also be considered as a good nitrogen source; but, ammonium sulfate and urea reduce enzyme production considerably. It was concluded that protease production occurs in the stationary phase of growth. Studying the kinetics parameters resulted that the best model for the enzyme above is Lineweaver-Burk model according to which Km is 0.64 mmol and Vmax is 88 lamol/min.展开更多
An optimal medium （300 g·L^-1 initial glucose） comprising 6.3 mmol·L^-1 Mg2＋, 5.0 mmol·L^-1 Ca2＋, 15.0 g·L^-1 peptone and 21.5 g·L^-1 yeast extract was determined by uniform design to impr...An optimal medium （300 g·L^-1 initial glucose） comprising 6.3 mmol·L^-1 Mg2＋, 5.0 mmol·L^-1 Ca2＋, 15.0 g·L^-1 peptone and 21.5 g·L^-1 yeast extract was determined by uniform design to improve very high gravity （VHG） ethanol fermentation, showing over 30% increase in final ethanol （from 13.1% to 17.1%, by volume）, 29% decrease in fermentation time （from 84 to 60 h）, 80% increase in biomass formation and 26% increase in glucose utilization. Experiments also revealed physiological aspects linked to the fermentation enhancements. Compared to the control, trehalose in the cells grown in optimal fermentation medium increased 17.9-, 2.8-, 1.9-, 1.8- and 1.9-fold at the fermentation time of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h, respectively. Its sharp rise at the early stage of fermentation when there was a considerable osmotic stress suggested that trehalose played an important role in promoting fermentation. Meanwhile, at the identical five fermentation time, the plasma membrane ATPase activity of the cells grown in optimal medium was 2.3, 1.8, 1.6, 1.5 and 1.3 times that of the control, respectively. Their disparities in enzymatic activity became wider when the glucose levels were dramatically changed for ethanol production, suggesting this enzyme also contributed to the fermentation improvements. Thus, medium optimization for VHG ethanol fermentation was found to trigger the increased yeast trehalose accumulation and plasma membrane ATPase activity.展开更多
A paracrine regulation was recently proposed in human embryonic stem cells （hESCs） grown in mouse embryonic fibroblast （MEF）-conditioned media （MEF-CM）, where hESCs spontaneously differentiate into autologous fi...A paracrine regulation was recently proposed in human embryonic stem cells （hESCs） grown in mouse embryonic fibroblast （MEF）-conditioned media （MEF-CM）, where hESCs spontaneously differentiate into autologous fibroblastlike cells to maintain culture homeostasis by producing TGF-β and insulin-like growth factor-lI （IGF-Ⅱ） in response to basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）. Although the importance of TGF-β family members in the maintenance of pluripotency of hESCs is widely established, very little is known about the role of IGF-Ⅱ. In order to ease hESC cul- ture conditions and to reduce xenogenic components, we sought （i） to determine whether hESCs can be maintained stable and pluripotent using CM from human foreskin fibroblasts （HFFs） and human mesenchymal stem cells （hM- SCs） rather than MEF-CM, and （ii） to analyze whether the cooperation of bFGF with TGF-β and IGF-Ⅱ to maintain hESCs in MEF-CM may be extrapolated to hESCs maintained in allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell （MSC）-CM and HFF-CM. We found that MSCs and HFFs express all FGF receptors （FGFR1-4） and specifically produce TGF-β in response to bFGF. However, HFFs but not MSCs secrete IGF-Ⅱ. Despite the absence of IGF-Ⅱ in MSC-CM, hESC pluripotency and culture homeostasis were successfully maintained in MSC-CM for over 37 passages. Human ESCs derived on MSCs and hESCs maintained in MSC-CM retained hESC morphology, euploidy, expression of surface markers and transcription factors linked to pluripotency and displayed in vitro and in vivo multilineage developmental potential, suggesting that IGF-Ⅱ may be dispensable for hESC pluripotency. In fact, IGF-Ⅱ blocking had no effect on the homeostasis of hESC cultures maintained either on HFF-CM or on MSC-CM. These data indicate that hESCs are successfully maintained feeder-free with IGF-Ⅱ-lacking MSC-CM, and that the previously proposed paracrine mechanism by which bFGF cooperates with TGF-β and IGF-Ⅱ in the maintenance of hESCs in MEF-CM may not be fully extrapolated to hESCs maintained in CM from human MSCs.展开更多
[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration for an upland cotton cultivar Xinluzao33 under the induction of different hormone combinations and thus t...[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration for an upland cotton cultivar Xinluzao33 under the induction of different hormone combinations and thus to determine the optimal hormone combination. [Method] Calli of Xinluzao33(Gossypium hirsutum L.) were induced from seedling hypocotyl tissue by a range of DK and BK combinations. Embryogenic calli and embryos were induced on callus-inducing medium(CIM) without any hormones. Callus appearance and quality were compared to determine which medium was the optimal for callus induction. Embryogenesis ratio was calculated to determine which medium was the best for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. [Result] Callus induction rate was 100% in all the 12 hormone combinations.The calli were yellow or kelly, and their texture was loose or soft under low concentrations of DK combinations, green or white, variably compact under high concentrations of DK combinations. The calli induced by BK combinations were kelly or green, covering creamy white substance. The best medium for callus induction was DK6(0.05 mg/L 2, 4-D and 0.10 mg/L KT). Embryogenic calli were successfully induced from all the combinations. The efficiency of embryogenic callus induction,embryogenesis, and plantlet regeneration were significantly different among the 12 combinations. The result showed that the embryogenesis ratio was the highest in BK3 combination(0.50 mg/L IBA and 0.50 mg/L KT), 72.86% of embryogenic calli differentiated into somatic embryos after being cultured on CIM for 80 d, and80.93% of the somatic embryos finally regenerated into plants on SEM(somatic embryo induction medium). [Conclusion] These results indicate that hormone combination BK3(0.50 mg/LIBA and 0.50 mg/L KT) was the best medium for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from Xinluzao33.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and development Program of China (2016YFC0502602)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U1612441)the project of high-level innovative talents of Guizhou Province [2015(4035)]
文摘Natural nitrogen isotope composition(δ^(15)N) is an indicator of nitrogen sources and is useful in the investigation of nitrogen cycling in organisms and ecosystems. δ^(15)N is also used to study assimilation of inorganic nitrogen. However, the foliar δ^(15)N of intact plants, which is a consequence of nitrate assimilation occurring in the roots and shoots, is not suited for studying nitrate assimilation in cases where nitrate is the sole nitrogen source. In this study, Orychophragmus violaceus(Ov) and Brassica napus(Bn) plantlets, in which nitrate assimilation occurred in the leaves, were used to study the relationship between foliar δ^(15)N and nitrate assimilation.The plantlets were grown in vitro in culture media with different nitrate concentrations, and no root formation occurred for the plantlets during the multiplication stage.Nitrogen isotope fractionation occurred in both the Ov and the Bn plantlets under all treatments. Furthermore, the foliar nitrogen content of both the Ov and Bn plantlets increased with increasing nitrate concentration. Foliar nitrogen isotope fractionation was negatively correlated with foliar nitrogen content for both the Ov and Bn plantlets. Our results suggest that the foliar nitrogen isotope fractionation value could be employed to evaluate nitrate assimilation ability and leaf nitrate reductase activity.Moreover, high external nitrate concentrations couldcontribute to improved foliar nitrogen content and enhanced nitrate assimilation ability.
基金Supported by National Natural Scientific Foundation No.30872236 to Run-Ping Gao and NIH 5R01AA016003 to David R Brigstock
文摘AIM： To determine the effect of hammerhead ribozyme targeting connective tissue growth factor （CCN2） on human hepatic stellate cell （HSC） function.METHODS： CCN2 hammerhead ribozyme cDNA plus two self-cleaving sequences were inserted into pTriEx2 to produce pTriCCN2-Rz. Each vector was individually transfected into cultured LX-2 human HSCs, which were then stimulated by addition of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 to the culture medium. Semiquantitative RT-PCR was used to determine mRNA levels for CCN2 or collagen I, while protein levels of each molecule in cell /ysates and conditioned medium were measured by ELISA. Cell-cycle progression of the transfected cells was assessed by flow cytometry.RESULTS： In pTriEx2-transfected LX-2 cells, TGF-β1 treatment caused an increase in the mRNA level for CCN2 or collagen I, and an increase in produced and secreted CCN2 or extracellular collagen I protein levels, pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells showed decreased basal CCN2 or collagen mRNA levels, as well as produced and secreted CCN2 or collagen I protein. Furthermore, the TGF-β1-induced increase in mRNA or protein for CCN2 or collagen I was inhibited partially in pTriCCN2-Rz-transfected LX-2 cells. Inhibition of CCN2 using hammerhead ribozyme cDNA resulted in fewer of the cells transitioning into S phase.CONCLUSION： Endogenous CCN2 is a mediator of basal or TGF-β1-induced collagen I production in human HSCs and regulates entry of the cells into S phase.
文摘In this research the results of studies on optimization of alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis are reported. The parameters, which were taken into consideration, are pH, temperature, time course of enzyme production, stirring rate and kinetics parameters. The effect of various carbon and nitrogen sources in culture medium compound on enzyme production was also considered The result of optimization revealed that maximum protease production was obtained at 37 ℃, pH equivalent tol 0.0 and with 150 rpm will occur after 72 hours. By comparing the effect of 5 carbon sources （maltose, glucose, starch, casein and lactose） in enzyme production, it has been known that using lactose will increase about 1.5 times enzyme production, compared to condition in which maltose is used. The result of studies on the effect of five nitrogen sources （i.e., peptone, tryptone, ammonium sulfate, urea and corn steep liquor） shows that corn steep liqour increases enzyme production more than others, while peptone can also be considered as a good nitrogen source; but, ammonium sulfate and urea reduce enzyme production considerably. It was concluded that protease production occurs in the stationary phase of growth. Studying the kinetics parameters resulted that the best model for the enzyme above is Lineweaver-Burk model according to which Km is 0.64 mmol and Vmax is 88 lamol/min.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province of China （E0810018）
文摘An optimal medium （300 g·L^-1 initial glucose） comprising 6.3 mmol·L^-1 Mg2＋, 5.0 mmol·L^-1 Ca2＋, 15.0 g·L^-1 peptone and 21.5 g·L^-1 yeast extract was determined by uniform design to improve very high gravity （VHG） ethanol fermentation, showing over 30% increase in final ethanol （from 13.1% to 17.1%, by volume）, 29% decrease in fermentation time （from 84 to 60 h）, 80% increase in biomass formation and 26% increase in glucose utilization. Experiments also revealed physiological aspects linked to the fermentation enhancements. Compared to the control, trehalose in the cells grown in optimal fermentation medium increased 17.9-, 2.8-, 1.9-, 1.8- and 1.9-fold at the fermentation time of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 h, respectively. Its sharp rise at the early stage of fermentation when there was a considerable osmotic stress suggested that trehalose played an important role in promoting fermentation. Meanwhile, at the identical five fermentation time, the plasma membrane ATPase activity of the cells grown in optimal medium was 2.3, 1.8, 1.6, 1.5 and 1.3 times that of the control, respectively. Their disparities in enzymatic activity became wider when the glucose levels were dramatically changed for ethanol production, suggesting this enzyme also contributed to the fermentation improvements. Thus, medium optimization for VHG ethanol fermentation was found to trigger the increased yeast trehalose accumulation and plasma membrane ATPase activity.
文摘A paracrine regulation was recently proposed in human embryonic stem cells （hESCs） grown in mouse embryonic fibroblast （MEF）-conditioned media （MEF-CM）, where hESCs spontaneously differentiate into autologous fibroblastlike cells to maintain culture homeostasis by producing TGF-β and insulin-like growth factor-lI （IGF-Ⅱ） in response to basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）. Although the importance of TGF-β family members in the maintenance of pluripotency of hESCs is widely established, very little is known about the role of IGF-Ⅱ. In order to ease hESC cul- ture conditions and to reduce xenogenic components, we sought （i） to determine whether hESCs can be maintained stable and pluripotent using CM from human foreskin fibroblasts （HFFs） and human mesenchymal stem cells （hM- SCs） rather than MEF-CM, and （ii） to analyze whether the cooperation of bFGF with TGF-β and IGF-Ⅱ to maintain hESCs in MEF-CM may be extrapolated to hESCs maintained in allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell （MSC）-CM and HFF-CM. We found that MSCs and HFFs express all FGF receptors （FGFR1-4） and specifically produce TGF-β in response to bFGF. However, HFFs but not MSCs secrete IGF-Ⅱ. Despite the absence of IGF-Ⅱ in MSC-CM, hESC pluripotency and culture homeostasis were successfully maintained in MSC-CM for over 37 passages. Human ESCs derived on MSCs and hESCs maintained in MSC-CM retained hESC morphology, euploidy, expression of surface markers and transcription factors linked to pluripotency and displayed in vitro and in vivo multilineage developmental potential, suggesting that IGF-Ⅱ may be dispensable for hESC pluripotency. In fact, IGF-Ⅱ blocking had no effect on the homeostasis of hESC cultures maintained either on HFF-CM or on MSC-CM. These data indicate that hESCs are successfully maintained feeder-free with IGF-Ⅱ-lacking MSC-CM, and that the previously proposed paracrine mechanism by which bFGF cooperates with TGF-β and IGF-Ⅱ in the maintenance of hESCs in MEF-CM may not be fully extrapolated to hESCs maintained in CM from human MSCs.
基金Supported by the National Transgenic Major Project of China(2009ZX08009-090B)the Biological Germplasm Project of Xinjiang Production&Construction Crops(2012BD046)the Technology Plan of Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences(81YYD201506)
文摘[Objective] This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration for an upland cotton cultivar Xinluzao33 under the induction of different hormone combinations and thus to determine the optimal hormone combination. [Method] Calli of Xinluzao33(Gossypium hirsutum L.) were induced from seedling hypocotyl tissue by a range of DK and BK combinations. Embryogenic calli and embryos were induced on callus-inducing medium(CIM) without any hormones. Callus appearance and quality were compared to determine which medium was the optimal for callus induction. Embryogenesis ratio was calculated to determine which medium was the best for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration. [Result] Callus induction rate was 100% in all the 12 hormone combinations.The calli were yellow or kelly, and their texture was loose or soft under low concentrations of DK combinations, green or white, variably compact under high concentrations of DK combinations. The calli induced by BK combinations were kelly or green, covering creamy white substance. The best medium for callus induction was DK6(0.05 mg/L 2, 4-D and 0.10 mg/L KT). Embryogenic calli were successfully induced from all the combinations. The efficiency of embryogenic callus induction,embryogenesis, and plantlet regeneration were significantly different among the 12 combinations. The result showed that the embryogenesis ratio was the highest in BK3 combination(0.50 mg/L IBA and 0.50 mg/L KT), 72.86% of embryogenic calli differentiated into somatic embryos after being cultured on CIM for 80 d, and80.93% of the somatic embryos finally regenerated into plants on SEM(somatic embryo induction medium). [Conclusion] These results indicate that hormone combination BK3(0.50 mg/LIBA and 0.50 mg/L KT) was the best medium for somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from Xinluzao33.
