用于转基因的阳离子脂质体

阳离子脂质体是指表面带正电荷的脂质体,1987年Felgner等人用人工合成的阳离子去垢剂N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium choloride(DOTMA)和二油酰磷脂酰乙醇胺(DOPE)

加强对转基因食品的管理可提高其安全性

转基因食品（Genetically Modified Foods．GM）是以转基因生物为原料加工而成的食品。对转基因食品安全性的争论主要集中于它对人和环境影响两个方面。其一是外源基因不是自然遗传的基因．它是否稳定．是否也像有害物质一样能通过食物链进入人体内．对人体造成意想不到的伤害。如食物过敏或者通过转基因作用而产生有害遗传性状对人的身体健康有害．或者发生有害基因的扩散。其二是转基因生物对农业和生态环境的影响如何。如抗病虫害的转基因作物在一定时期后可能使病虫产生抗性并且遗传．

Transformation of Pea Lectin Gene and Parasponia Haemoglobin Gene into Rice and Their Expressions

Lectin and leghemoglobin in legumes play the important roles, respectively, in recognition of host plants to their rhizobial bacteria, and lowering the oxygen partial pressure around bacteroids and protecting nitrogenase from oxygen in symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules. In order to extend the host range of the rhizobial bacteria and to make them fix nitrogen in non-legumes, pea lectin gene (pl) and Parasponia hemoglobin gene ( phl,) have been constructed into a plant expression vector (pCBHUL) and the vector pCBHUL was introduced into rice calli from immature young embryos by particle bombardment. After the calli were regenerated into plantlets on the resistant-selecting media containing hygromycin, they were identified by PCR and Southern blot hybridization. It was indicated that the pi and phb genes were integrated into nucleic genome of the transformed rice plants. GUS activity and the product of the pi gene were determined by GUS staining, Western blot and in situ hybridization at translational level. Eighteen out of 40 plants resistant to hygromycin were positively identified by PCR analysis with the rate of 45%. The pi gene was expressed in 3 out of 18 plants with 17% and 7.5% in 40 plants. The results may provide a clue for exploring whether Rhizobium leguminosarum by. viceae could extend its host range and make the transgenic rice plants have the possibility of being symbiotic, or associative to nitrogen fixation.

The in vitro Anti Hptocarcinoma Effects of Human Interleukin-12 from Transgenic Potato

[Objective]The aim was to examine the anti heptocarcinoma effects of human interleukin-12（hIL-12） from transgenic potatoes.[Method]Human heptocarcinoma cell line HepG22.2.15 was cocultured with human peripherial blood monocyte（PBMC）.Human IL-12 extracted from its transgenic patatoes was introduced to this coculture system.MTT method and laser confocal microscope were then employed to evaluate its survival rates and morphological changes of HepG22.2.15 cell line.[Result]The HepG22.2.15 survival rate of the plant produced hIL-12 treated group was significantly lower than that of the wild type control,while similar to that of commercial purified recombinant hIL-12 group.As indicated by AnnexinV/PI double staining laser confocal microscope,cocultured heptocarcinoma cells showed the typical early and final phase apoptotic morphological characteristics 48 hours after 2 × 10-4 mg/L potato secreted hIL-12 treatment.[Conclusion] These results demonstrated that Heptocarcinoma HepG22.2.15 cell growth could be actively inhibited by the transgenic potato expressed hIL-12 in vitro.

Overexpression of Proline Transporter Gene Isolated from Halophyte Confers Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis

Proline is one of the most important and widespread osmolyte which functions in adaptation to adverse environmental stresses in many organisms. Also it is an important carbon and nitrogen resource in higher plants. Metabolism of proline has been elucidated in many plant species. However, transport of proline was poorly characterized although transport system plays an important role in proline distribution in different tissues. We isolated one full_length cDNA encoding proline transporter from the typical halophyte: Atriplex hortensis L. through cDNA library screening and 5′_RACE. The deduced amino acid sequence had eleven transmembrane domains, showed 60%-69% similarities to other ProTs and the gene was designated AhProT1. In the phylogenetic tree, higher plants' ProTs, e.g. AhProT1, showed more similar to ProP from microorganisms than ProT from mammalians. AhProT1 gene was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana under 35S promoter. In MS medium containing [U_ 14 C] proline, AhProT1 + plants were able to accumulate much more radiolabeled proline in the roots than control plants. In MS medium containing different concentrations of NaCl, AhProT1 + plants could endure 200 mmol/L NaCl and keep development and biomass increase with proline supply, whereas control plants died back at 150 mmol/L NaCl.

Screening on Synergist of Bacillus thuringiensis Wettable Powder

[Objective] This study aimed to screen the best synergistic material for Bt wettable powder and evaluate their synergistic effect. [Method] The synergism of six different kinds of additives for Bacillus thuringiensis wettable powder （Bt WP） on the 2^nd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella was tested by method of leaf dipping in labora- tory. [Result] The mixtures of Bt with 0.1% ZnCl2, 0.5% ZnCl2, 1.0% ZnCl2, 1.0% MgCI2, 0.5% boric acid, 1.0% boric acid, 0.5% citric acid or 1.0% citric acid all ex- hibited synergistic effect, in which the synergistic effect of mixture containing 0.5% boric acid was the highest, with 17.2 synergistic ratio; followed by the mixture containing 1.0% ZnCl2, with 15.6 synergistic ratio. Moreover, addition of 0.5% boric acid could shorten the median lethal time of Bt wettable powder by about 10 h. After the mixtures of Bt with 0.5% boracic acid or 1.0% ZnCl2 was stored for 15 d at room temperature, toxicities of the two mixtures did not change significantly. [Conclusion] Boracic acid as the synergist of Bt wettable powder could not only increase insecti- cidal effect of Bt, but also accelerate its insecticidal rate. So, boracic acid could improve the disadvantages of Bt wettable powder such as poor insecticidal effect and slow insecticidal speed in a certain degree.

转基因作物是否安全——中科院院士张启发诠释转基因

一直不为人所知的是——自从人类耕种作物以来,我们的祖先就从未停止过作物的遗传改良。 只不过在过去的几千年里,农作物改良的方式主要是对自然突变产生的优良基因和重组体的选择和利用,通过随机和自然的方式来积累优良基因。 但是当世界上第一批转基因植物出现在1983年到1985年之间,在美国华盛顿大学和孟山都公司等地方,伴随着转基因技术安全性的争论就一直没有停止过。

Preliminary Investigation on Regulating Effects of Different TCM Treatments on Transcription of the Correlated Genes of Liver Cancer in Rats

The regulating effects of TCM treatments including clearing away heat and toxic materials,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,and strengthening the spleen and regulating qi on the oncogene transcription were observed in the liver cancer model rats.The preliminary results indicated that the mRNA levels of H-ras N-ras and K-ras,and signal molecules correlated with the ras/MAPK signal transduction pathway were down-regulated by the different TCM treatments in varying degrees.Also,the regulating effects of the treatments on differently-displayed genes were discrepant.It is suggested that the molecular mechanisms of the TCM treatments for liver cancer was complex with different target genes.

Characteristics of photosynthesis in rice plants transformed with an antisense Rubisco activase gene

Transgenic rice plants with an antisense gene inserted via Agrobacterium tumefaciens were used to explore the impact of the reduction of Rubisco activase (RCA) on Rubisco and photosynthesis. In this study, transformants containing 15% to 35% wild type Rubisco activase were selected, which could survive in ambient CO2 concentration but grew slowly compared with wild type controls. Gas exchange measurements indicated that the rate of photosynthesis decreased sig- nificantly, while stomatal conductance and transpiration rate did not change; and that the intercellular CO2 concentration even increased. Rubisco determination showed that these plants had approximately twice as much Rubisco as the wild types, although they showed 70% lower rate of photosynthesis, which was likely an acclimation response to the reduction in Rubsico activase and/or the reduction in carbamylation.

Fas mRNA expression and calcium influx change in H_2O_2-induced apoptotic hepatocytes in vitro

AIM: To investigate the relationship between Fas gene expression and calcium influx change in peroxide-induced apoptotic hepatocytes and the possible molecular mechanism of Rxa in protecting hepatocytes.METHODS: Single-cell Fas mRNA expression in H2O2-exposed L02 hepatocytes with or without treatment of Rxa,an extract from an anti-peroxidant, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae,was determined by all-cell patch clamp and single-cell reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Transient calcium influx change ([Ca2+]i) in the cells was evaluated with all-cell patch clamp micro-fluorescence single-cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration technique. Fas protein expression, early apoptotic index (annexin-V+) and cell membrane change inthe cells were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry (FCM) and scan electron microscopy respectively.RESULTS: In cells exposed to H2O2 for 2 h, the specific lane for Fas mRNA was vivid on electrophoresis, with increased Fas protein expression, [Ca2+]i (from 143.66±34.21 to 1115.28±227.16), annexin-V+ index (from 4.00±0.79 to 16.18±0.72) and membrane vesicle formation. However, in cells exposed to H2O2 but pre-treated with Rxa, there was no increase in Fas mRNA or protein expression and [Ca2+]i (103.56±28.92). Annexin-V+ index (8.92±1.44) was lower than the controls (P＜0.01), and the cell membrane was intact.CONCLUSION: H2O2 induces apoptosis of L02 cells by increasing cytosolic [Ca2+]i, and inducing Fas mRNA and protein expression. Rxa protects the L02 cells from apoptosis through anti-peroxidation, inhibition of calcium overloading and prevention of the activation of cytosolic Fas signal pathway.

Transfection of gene Livin α/β into A549 cells and separate effect on the cell growth

Objective:To express two Livin isoforms (Livin α & β genes) with transfection techniques in A549 cell line respectively in order to observe their effect on growth of cell line. Methods:Two eukaryotic expression vectors of Livin, pcDNA3.1-Livin α & β, were transfected into A549 cell line by electroporation. Then G418-resistant clones were screened. RT-PCR, Northern blot and immunofluorescence cytochemistry were used to detect Livin α & β expression level in the transfected cells. Finally, observation of cell morphology, growth curve assay and colony formation analysis were performed to explore the effect of Livin on growth of the cells. Results:Livin α & β were expressed in transfected A549 cells, and induced a faster cell growth, shorter doubling time and stronger cell colony forming ability, yet had no morphology change.Conclusion:Both isoforms can accelerate the growth of A549 cells, indicating a close relationship between Livin expression and the genesis and development of lung cancer. The expression of Livin α & β in A549 cells provides basis for further study of their different biological functions of anti-apoptosis and of their role in lung cancer cell resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Tumor metastasis and the reciprocal regulation of heparanase gene expression by nuclear factor kappa B in human gastric carcinoma tissue

AIM: To investigate whether NF-kB is activated in human gastric carcinoma tissues and, if so, to study whether there is any correlation between NF-kB activity and heparanase expression in gastric carcinoma. METHODS: NF-kB activation was assayed by immunohistochemical staining in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 45 gastric carcinoma patients. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) method was used for nuclear protein from these fresh tissue specimens. Heparanase gene expression was quantified using quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: The nuclear translocation of RelA (marker of NF-kB activation) was significantly higher in tumor cells compared to adjacent and normal epithelial cells [(41.3±3.52)% vs (0.38±0.22) %, t=10.993, P= 0.000<0.05; (41.3±3.52)% vs(0±0.31)%, t=11.484, P= 0.000<0.05]. NF-kB activation was correlated with tumor invasion-related clinicopathological features such as lymphatic invasion, pathological stage, and depth of invasion (Z= 2.148, P= 0.032<0.05; t = 8.758, P= 0.033<0.05; t = 18.531, P = 0.006<0.05). NF-KB activation was significantly correlated with expression of heparanase gene (r= 0.194, P=0.046<0.05). CONCLUSION: NF-KB RelA (p65) activation was related with increased heparanase gene expression and correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics in gastric cancers. This suggests NF-kB as a major controller of the metastatic phenotype through its reciprocal regulation of some metastasis-related genes.

Stable transfection of extrinsic Smac gene enhances apoptosis-inducing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on gastric cancer cells

AIM: To explore the feasibility of enhancing apoptosis-inducing effects of chemotherapeutic drugs on human gastric cancer cells by stable transfection of extrinsic Smac gene. METHODS: After Smac gene was transferred into gastric cancer cell line MKN-45, subclone cells were obtained by persistent G_(418) selection. Cellular Smac gene expression was determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. After treatment with mitomycin (MMC) as an apoptotic inducer, in vitro cell growth activities were investigated by trypan blue-staining method and MTT colorimetry. Cell apoptosis and its rates were determined by electronic microscopy, annexin V-FTTC and propidium iodide staining flow cytometry. Cellular caspase-3 protein expression and its activities were assayed by Western blotting and colorimetry. RESULTS: When compared with MKN-45 cells, the selected subclone cell line MKN-45/Smac had significantly higher Smac mRNA (3.12±0.21 vs 0.82±0.14, t=7.52, P＜0.01) and protein levels (4.02±0.24 vs0.98±0.11, t=8.32, P＜0.01). After treatment with 10 μg/mL MMC for 6-24 h, growth inhibition rate of MKN-45/Smac (15.8±1.2-54.8±2.9%) was significantly higher than that of MKN-45 (5.8±0.4-24.0±1.5%, t=6.42, P＜0.01). Partial MKN-45/Smac cancer cells presented characteristic morphological changes of apoptosis under the electronic microscope with an apoptosis rate of 36.4±2.1%, which was significantly higher than that of MKN-45 (15.2±0.8%, t=9.25, P＜0.01). Compared with MKN-45, caspase-3 expression levels in MKN-45/Smac were improved significantly (3.39±0.42 vs0.96±0.14, t=8.63, P＜0.01), while its activities were 3.25 times as many as those of MKN-45 (0.364±0.010 vs0.112±0.007, t=6.34, P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: Stable transfection of extrinsic Smac gene and its over-expression in gastric cancer cell line can significantly enhance cellular caspase-3 expression and activities, ameliorate apoptosis-inducing effects of mitomycin C on cancer cells, which is a novel strategy to improve chemotherapeutic effects on gastric cancer.

A Minireview of Marine Algal Virus-Coccolithoviruses

Coccolithophorid is unicellular marine microalgae with a global distribution in temperate and sub-temperate oceanic regions and has the ability to produce ＇the coccoliths＇. It is considered to be the second most productive calcifying organism on earth and becoming an important factor in the global carbonate cycle. Emiliania huxleyi is one of the only two bloom-forming coccolithophores and becomes a species crucial to the study of global biogeochemical cycles and climate modeling. Coccolithoviruse is a recently discovered group of viruses infecting the marine coceolithophorid E. huxleyi. They are a major cause of coceolithophore bloom termination, and DMSP concentration is increasing in the process of viral lysis. Phylogenetic evidences support that some genes are functional both in E. huxleyi and its virus （EhV）. Horizontal gene transfer （HGT） of multiple functionally coupled enzymes occurs in E. huxleyi and its DNA virus EhV has been confirmed, which contributes to the diversification and adaptation of plankton in the oceans and also critically regulates virus-host infection by allowing viruses to control host metabolic pathways for their repli- cation. Therefore, it is of particular interest to understand this host-virus interaction. On this issue, we have made a minireview of coeeolithoviruses focusing on the basic characteristics, phylogenesis, horizontal gene transfer and the interaction between the host and its viruses, as well as its important role in global biogeochemical cycling.

Inhibitory effect of adenoviral vector-mediated AT2R gene transfection on neointimal hyperplasia

Objective: To investigate the effect of adenoviral vector-mediated AT2R gene transfection on neointimal hyperplasia after rat carotid artery balloon injury. Methods :AT2R gene was transferred into rat carotid arteries by recombinant adenovirus pAd-AT2R after the establishment of rat carotid balloon injury restenosis model. The arteries were harvested on the 14th day after gene transfer. The efficiency of trans-gene delivery was measured by the expression of adenovirus-encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) under fluorescent microscope. The expression of AT2R and PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was e-valuated by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, confocal microscopy, respectively. The ratio of intimal to medial area (I/M) was quantified with images and determined by an image analysis system. Results: GFP-positive area in adventitia, media and the forming neointima was about 40%. Adenoviral delivery of rat AT2R gene up-regulated AT2R expression in balloon-injured rat carotid and reduced PCNA expression and I/M significantly in neointima(P<0. 01). Double immunofluorescence labeling of AT2R and PCNA also showed that AT2R gene transfer inhibited VSMCs proliferation in neointima. Conclusion: AT2R gene transfer may be a novel promising therapy to limit neointimal hyperplasia.

外源性基因在在体血管壁中表达的实验研究

将带有外源性基因的医用缝合线，缝合于大鼠的颈总动脉，实验证明外源性基因可以在血管壁中表达出相应的蛋白质。外源性基因在缝合血管第７天表达水平最高，且表达可持续３个月以上。提示：缝线法可作为一种在体血管直接转基因方法。

A Review on Regeneration in Cowpea （Vigna unguiculata L. Walp）

Vigna unguiculata L. Walp is a recalcitrant plant in terms of in vitro cell, tissue and organ differentiation, which makes it difficult to apply tissue-culture dependant approaches for obtaining stable genetic transformation in cowpea. Despite this, sporadic efforts have been made to develop regeneration systems in cowpea during the past 40 years. This review presents the considerable progress on cowpea regeneration （organogenesis and embryogenesis） and especially focuses on the regeneration mode of organogenesis, including highlights of the effect of genotypes, explants, medium and plant hormones used in tissue culture. The existing problems and the future research directions were also discussed.

ISAAA信息

RhA G基因抑制玫瑰花瓣数量的增加花的发育受多种因素调控。众所周知,温度在控制开花时间中起着关键作用。然而,温度调节花期的机制仍然未知。中国农业大学的Nan Ma及其合作伙伴,研究了低温显著增加玫瑰(Rosa hybrida)花瓣数量的机制。研究显示,拟南芥AGAMOUS C功能基因的同系物RhA G的表达与花的发育有关。沉默RhA

Effect of trans-acting factor on rat glutathione S-transferase P1 gene transcription regulation in tumor cells

Objective To investigate the effect of trans-acting factor(s) on rat glutathione S-transferase P1 gene (rGSTP1) transcription regulation in tumor cells.Methods The binding of trans-acting factor(s) to two enhancers of the rGSTP1 gene, glutathione S-transferase P enhancer Ⅰ (GPEI) and glutathione S-transferase P enhancer Ⅱ-1 (GPEⅡ-1), was identified by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The molecular weight of trans-acting factor was measured in a UV cross-linking experiment. Results Trans-acting factor interacting with the core sequence of GPEI (cGPEI) were found in human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and rat hepatoma cell line (CBRH7919). These proteins were not expressed in normal rat liver. Although specific binding proteins that bound to GPEⅡ-1 were detected in all three cell types, a 64 kDa binding protein that exists in HeLa and CBRH7919 cells was absent in normal rat liver. Conclusion cGPEI, GPEII specific binding proteins expressed in HeLa and CBRH7919 cells may play an important role in the high transcriptional level of the rGSTP1 gene in tumor cells.

Transfer RNA:A dancer between charging and mis-charging for protein biosynthesis

Transfer RNA plays a fundamental role in the protein biosynthesis as an adaptor molecule by functioning as a biological link between the genetic nucleotide sequence in the mRNA and the amino acid sequence in the protein.To perform its role in protein biosynthesis,it has to be accurately recognized by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases(aaRSs)to generate aminoacyl-tRNAs(aa-tRNAs).The correct pairing between an amino acid with its cognate tRNA is crucial for translational quality control.Production and utilization of mis-charged tRNAs are usually detrimental for all the species,resulting in cellular dysfunctions.Correct aa-tRNAs formation is collectively controlled by aaRSs with distinct mechanisms and/or other trans-factors.However,in very limited instances,mis-charged tRNAs are intermediate for specific pathways or essential components for the translational machinery.Here,from the point of accuracy in tRNA charging,we review our understanding about the mechanism ensuring correct aa-tRNA generation.In addition,some unique mis-charged tRNA species necessary for the organism are also briefly described.