A simple way to visualize detailed phylogenetic tree of huge genome-wide SNP data constructed by SNPhylo

Phylogenetic trees based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） among diverse inbreds could provide valuable and intuitive information for breeding and germplasm management in crops. As a result of sequencing technology developments, a huge amount of whole genome SNP data have become available and affordable for breeders. However, it is a challenge to perform quick and reliable plotting based on the huge amount of SNP data. To meet this goal, a visualization pipeline was developed and demonstrated based on publicly available SNP data from the current important maize inbred lines, including temperate, tropical, sweetcorn, and popcorn. The detailed phylogenetic tree plotted by our pipeline revealed the authentic genetic diversity of these inbreds, which was consistent with several previous reports and indicated that this straightforward pipeline is reliable and could potentially speed up advances in crop breeding.

Using DNA Sequences and Phylogenetic Trees as Tools for Teaching Entomology to Undergraduate Students: A Simple Approach

This technical note aims to show how any instructor teaching entomology can use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and the “one click” mode of Phylogeny.fr to teach undergraduate students about insect DNA similarity in a simple way. Teaching an entomology course requires the use of numerous tools to help students grasp different concepts. Knowing that there are more than one million described species of insects means that teaching students about insect identification and taxonomy can be challenging. However, here we present two easy exercises that could be used as classroom or take-home assignments to demonstrate various levels of DNA similarity among different insect taxa. Such exercises unlock students’ creativity and break the barrier of fear of bioinformatics. Moreover, they open up new ways for them to understand insect taxonomy through molecular biology and allow them to develop new skills that contribute to strengthening their scientific performance in the future, especially when they do research as graduate students. Finally, this note is an example of how to integrate simple bioinformatics tools into the teaching of entomology.

Predicting the Underlying Structure for Phylogenetic Trees Using Neural Networks and Logistic Regression

Understanding an underlying structure for phylogenetic trees is very important as it informs on the methods that should be employed during phylogenetic inference. The methods used under a structured population differ from those needed when a population is not structured. In this paper, we compared two supervised machine learning techniques, that is artificial neural network (ANN) and logistic regression models for prediction of an underlying structure for phylogenetic trees. We carried out parameter tuning for the models to identify optimal models. We then performed 10-fold cross-validation on the optimal models for both logistic regression?and ANN. We also performed a non-supervised technique called clustering to identify the number of clusters that could be identified from simulated phylogenetic trees. The trees were from?both structured?and non-structured populations. Clustering and prediction using classification techniques were?done using tree statistics such as Colless, Sackin and cophenetic indices, among others. Results from 10-fold cross-validation revealed that both logistic regression and ANN models had comparable results, with both models having average accuracy rates of over 0.75. Most of the clustering indices used resulted in 2 or 3 as the optimal number of clusters.

LZ Complexity Distance of DNA Sequences and Its Application in Phylogenetic Tree Reconstruction

DNA sequences can be treated as finite-length symbol strings over a four-letter alphabet （A, C, T, G）. As a universal and computable complexity measure, LZ complexity is valid to describe the complexity of DNA sequences. In this study, a concept of conditional LZ complexity between two sequences is proposed according to the principle of LZ complexity measure. An LZ complexity distance metric between two nonnull sequences is defined by utilizing conditional LZ complexity. Based on LZ complexity distance, a phylogenetic tree of 26 species of placental mammals （Eutheria） with three outgroup species was reconstructed from their complete mitochondrial genomes. On the debate that which two of the three main groups of placental mammals, namely Primates, Ferungulates, and Rodents, are more closely related, the phylogenetic tree reconstructed based on LZ complexity distance supports the suggestion that Primates and Ferungulates are more closely related.

PoInTree: A Polar and Interactive Phylogenetic Tree

PoInTree （Polar and Interactive Tree） is an application that allows to build, visualize, and customize phylogenetic trees in a polar, interactive, and highly flexible view. It takes as input a FASTA file or multiple alignment formats. Phylogenetic tree calculation is based on a sequence distance method and utilizes the Neighbor Joining （N J） algorithm. It also allows displaying precalculated trees of the major protein families based on Pfam classification. In PoInTree, nodes can be dynamically opened and closed and distances between genes are graphically represented. Tree root can be centered on a selected leaf. Text search mechanism, color-coding and labeling display are integrated. The visualizer can be connected to an Oracle database containing information on sequences and other biological data, helping to guide their interpretation within a given protein family across multiple species. The application is written in Borland Delphi and based on VCL Teechart Pro 6 graphical component （Steema software）.

Distances Between Phylogenetic Trees: A Survey

Phylogenetic trees have been widely used in the study of evolutionary biology for representing the tree-like evolution of a collection of species. However, different data sets and different methods often lead to the construction of different phylogenetic trees for the same set of species. Therefore, comparing these trees to determine similarities or, equivalently, dissimilarities, becomes the fundamental issue. Typically, Tree Bisection and Reconnection（TBR）and Subtree Prune and Regraft（SPR） distances have been proposed to facilitate the comparison between different phylogenetic trees. In this paper, we give a survey on the aspects of computational complexity, fixed-parameter algorithms, and approximation algorithms for computing the TBR and SPR distances of phylogenetic trees.

Prediction of multiple drug resistance phenotype in cancer cell lines using gene expression profiles and phylogenetic trees

When microarray gene expression data are used to predict multiple drug resistance(MDR)phenotypes for anticancer drugs,the normalization strategy and the quality of the selected signature genes are usually the main causes of inconsistency among different experiments.A stable statistical drug response prediction model is urgently required in oncology.In this study,the microarray gene expression data of multiple cancer cell lines with MDR was analyzed.For each probe-set,the expression value was defined as present/absent(1/0)and was classified into a gene set defined with protein domain organization(PDO).After employing the gene content method of phylogenetic analysis,a phylogenetic model(cell tree)for MDR phenotype prediction was built at the PDO gene set level.The results indicate that classification of cancer cell lines is predominantly affected by both the histopa-thological features and the MDR phenotype(paclitaxel and vinblastine).When applying this model to predict the MDR phenotype of independent samples,the phylogenetic model performs better than signature gene models.Although the utility of our procedure is limited due to sample heterogeneity,it still has potential application in MDR research,especially for hematological tumors or established cell lines.

我国华东与华南地区养殖鱼类迟缓爱德华氏菌分离株的多样性分析

目的对17株来源于我国华东与华南地区的养殖鱼类迟缓爱德华氏菌(Edwardsiella tarda)分离株进行多样性分析。方法通过菌体血清凝集试验及16S rRNA与hsp60部分基因序列的聚类分析。结果菌体血清凝集试验结果显示,鳗源迟缓爱德华氏菌ETY的抗O血清可凝集大部分鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌;人源迟缓爱德华氏菌标准株ATCC15947的抗O血清仅与鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌WY37有交叉凝集;鲶鱼爱德华氏菌EIV的抗O血清与鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌无交叉凝集。2株鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌AL60306NA1和E29L与以上3种爱德华氏菌抗O血清不发生凝集反应。基于16S rRNA及hsp60部分基因序列构建的系统发育进化树显示,来源于不同地区的绝大部分鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌分离株进化同源性较高,在基于16S rRNA构建的系统进化树中,山东地区分离自大菱鲆的迟缓爱德华氏菌聚为一支。3株鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌AL60306NA1、E29L、GK4与人源迟缓爱德华氏菌ATCC15947及人源鲶鱼爱德华氏菌EIV有一定亲缘关系。结论我国华东、华南地区的鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌分离株普遍具有相似的血清型和较高的进化同源性,并与人源的迟缓爱德华氏菌、人源的鲶鱼爱德华氏菌有明显差异。个别鱼源迟缓爱德华氏菌血清型与分子系统进化分析结果不一致,提示在防控鱼类爱德华氏菌病时,应将菌体表面抗原的免疫原性与分子聚类分析相结合。

Partial Fusion (F) Gene Analysis of Newcastle Disease Virus Detected in Pakistan during 2021-2022

Newcastle disease (ND) virus is a leading threat to commercial and domestic poultry in Pakistan. The virus infects and constitutes irreversible impairment to the nervous system, damages the respiratory system, and marks severe gastrointestinal lesions leading to heavy mortality in short-living birds and substantial losses in layers and breeders. The continuous emergence and evolution of the virus made it inclined to evade the humoral response and indirectly the circumvention of artificial active immunization. Newcastle disease is caused by the orthoavula genus of the paramyxoviridae family and has shown high genetic diversity even in their genotypes while information regarding enzootic trends of the virus is scanty in Pakistan. A total of 40 tracheal samples of NDV were collected from different commercial broiler farms and 11 isolates of NDV were identified. In the current study, we determined the genetic diversity of the Newcastle disease virus based on the partial sequencing of the fusion protein gene available in the NCBI database. Genetic analysis showed that seven isolates belonged to class I genotype VII and four belonged to class II genotype II. Interestingly, two isolates had epidemiological connections with vaccine-like class II genotype II. Our findings, concerning the recent outbreaks of class I genotype VII and class II genotype II of NDV in vaccinated commercial flocks, suggest possible potential partial mutations in the fusion protein gene. Genetic diversity and formation of the new cleavage site in an important neutralizing protein of wild strain are linked with the potency of artificial active immunization and a major cause of vaccine failure.

水生动物病原菌Ⅵ型分泌系统(T6SS)及其溶血素共调节蛋白研究进展

Ⅵ型分泌系统(typeⅥsecretion system,T6SS)是多种革兰氏阴性菌编码的蛋白分泌装置,在毒力因子释放、生物被膜形成、铁离子摄取、囊泡运输、环境压力适应性及细菌胞内存活等方面发挥着重要功能,在副溶血弧菌(Vibrio parahaemolyticus)、溶藻弧菌(Vibrio alginolyticus)、哈维氏弧菌(Vibrio harveyi)、嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)和迟钝爱德华氏菌(Edwardsiella tarda)等水生动物病原菌的致病过程中发挥着关键作用。然而,有关水生动物病原菌T6SS组分及其功能的报道还比较匮乏。本文对几种水生动物病原菌T6SS的生物学功能与调控机理,以及T6SS关键调控因子溶血素共调节蛋白Hcp的系统进化关系与功能等最新研究情况进行了综述,并在水生动物病原菌T6SS的生物学功能、T6SS活性调控与环境因素的关联性、T6SS与致病菌代谢之间的调控关系等方面提出未来研究建议,以期为进一步开展水生动物致病机制研究及水产养殖细菌病的防控提供新思路。

一例海豚源典型异尖线虫形态观察和分子鉴定

旨在鉴定由海豚粪便样本中所分离所得线虫种类。首先对所分离虫体进行形态观察,然后提取虫体基因组DNA,并对样本28S rRNA D2-D3基因和ITS基因片段进行PCR扩增,以进行分子生物学鉴定。所得序列经BLAST比对并用邻接法构建系统进化树对所得序列进行分析。结果显示:虫体长120~140 mm,整体呈圆柱形,两端尖细,外观呈乳白色半透明,镜下观察其内部偏黄。可见食道前端细,向后逐渐膨大。PCR结果显示,28S rRNA D2-D3基因与ITS基因扩增长度分别为797和840 bp。BLAST比对结果显示:28S rRNA D2-D3基因(GenBank登录号OR345165)与已报道典型异尖线虫(Anisakis typical, GenBank登录号HF911524.1)的序列一致性为95.36%;ITS基因(GenBank登录号OR345164)与典型异尖线虫(GenBank登录号MF668919.1)一致性为97.11%,其中,ITS-1区域与典型异尖线虫(GenBank登录号MF668919.1)一致性为91.90%,ITS-2区域与典型异尖线虫(GenBank登录号JN968938.1)一致性为94.97%,5.8S rRNA区域与典型异尖线虫(GenBank登录号OQ244221.1)一致性为100.00%。基于ITS基因和28S rRNA D2-D3基因的系统发育分析结果显示,此次研究分离所得寄生虫样本与典型异尖线虫遗传距离最近,且同一分支上。本次分离所得寄生虫样本经过分子鉴定为典型异尖线虫。同源性分析结果显示,其与典型异尖线虫一致性均大于95%;同时,在28S rRNA D2-D3基因序列和ITS基因序列的系统发育分析方面,均与已报道的典型异尖线虫遗传距离最近。

6株禽源滑液囊支原体分离株的分子生物学鉴定及MSPB蛋白原核表达

从分子水平对6株禽源滑液囊支原体(Mycoplasma synoviae,MS)分离株进行鉴定,探讨MS宁夏本地株膜蛋白MSPB的生物学功能。通过PCR技术扩增分离株的16S rRNA和MSPB基因序列,并构建分子进化树,对6株MS分离株进行同源性分析;用生物信息学工具对MSPB在蛋白水平进行分析,预测其亚细胞定位,探究MSPB的理化性质。构建pET-30a-MSPB重组表达载体,在大肠埃希氏菌BL 21(DE3)中进行表达,用镍柱亲和层析纯化并用蛋白质免疫印迹验证其反应原性。结果6株MS分离株在16S rRNA基因序列上与MS参考菌株具有同源性;MSPB等电点低,疏水性氨基酸占比较高;成功对MSPB进行表达,大小约为70 ku,纯化所得MSPB蛋白能与MS阳性血清特异结合。结果表明,6株菌株为MS,而MSPB具有反应原性,可以作为候选抗原应用于MS的诊断或防控。

玉露香梨花青苷调控基因PbrMYB19的克隆及功能分析

花青苷含量决定了果实色泽,是衡量果实商品价值的重要指标之一,其生物合成受到MYB转录因子的调控,然而关于MYB负调控梨果实花青苷合成的机制尚未完全明确。基于前期转录组学数据的差异表达基因中筛选到1个MYB基因家族成员PbrMYB19,暗示其可能参与调控果实花青苷生物合成。为明确其结构和功能,为进一步解析PbrMYB19对果实花青苷的调控机制奠定基础,试验以玉露香梨果皮cDNA为模板,克隆PbrMYB19全长,利用生物信息学软件对该基因的结构、亲缘关系、保守结构域及顺式作用元件进行预测,采用qRT-PCR对不同颜色果皮中PbrMYB19基因表达水平进行分析,并通过果实瞬时表达系统验证其功能。结果表明,PbrMYB19基因开放阅读框为714 bp,编码237个氨基酸,分子质量为26.85 ku,预测亚细胞定位于细胞核。系统发育树分析结果表明,PbrMYB19与已报道花青苷转录抑制子FaMYB1和PbrMYB120在同一个进化分支上,且其蛋白C端存在EAR类似抑制序列。PbrMYB19基因启动子序列包含光调控元件、植物激素响应元件。通过qRT-PCR分析发现,红色和黄色果皮中PbrMYB19基因的表达水平显著高于绿色果皮。构建过表达载体和瞬时转化果实结果表明,PbrMYB19过表达显著抑制果皮花青苷积累。

Characterization of Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Prevalence in Humans and Poultry in Huai′an,China：Molecular Epidemiology,Phylogenetic,and Dynamics Analyses

Objective To trace the source of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an and elucidate the genetic characterization of Huai＇an strains associated with both humans and birds in live poultry market.Methods An enhanced surveillance was implemented when the first human H7N9 case was confirmed in Huai＇an.Clinical specimens,cloacal swabs,and fecal samples were collected and screened by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction（RT-PCR） for H7N9 virus.The positive samples were subjected to further RT-PCR and genome sequencing.The phylodynamic patterns of H7N9 virus within and separated from Huai＇an and evolutionary dynamics of the virus were analyzed.Results Six patients with H7N9 infection were previously exposed to live poultry market and presented symptoms such as fever（〉38.0 °C） and headaches.Results of this study support the hypothesis that live poultry markets were the source of human H7N9 exposure.Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all novel H7N9 viruses,including Huai＇an strains,could be classified into two distinct clades,A and B.Additionally,the diversified H7N9 virus circulated in live poultry markets in Huai＇an.Interestingly,the common ancestors of the Huai＇an H7N9 virus existed in January 2012.The mean nucleotide substitution rates for each gene segment of the H7N9 virus were（3.09-7.26）×10-3 substitutions/site per year（95% HPD：1.72×10-3 to 1.16×10-2）.Conclusion Overall,the source of exposure of human H7N9 cases in Huai＇an was live poultry market,and our study highlights the presence of divergent genetic lineage of H7N9 virus in both humans and poultry specimens in Huai＇an.

Phylogenetic analysis and biological characteristic tests of marine bacteria isolated from Southern Ocean(Indian sector)water

Fifty-seven bacteria were isolated from Southern Ocean （Indian sector） water samples which were collected from different latitude and longitude of the ocean. All the isolates were able to grow at 4℃, 20℃, 37℃ and tolerable NaCI concentration up to 13.5% （w/v）. 29 out of 57 isolates were identified using 16S rDNA amplification and the sequences were submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information （NCBI）. All the isolates were classified by using Ribosomal Database Project （RDP） and found that isolates belongs to Proteobacteria and Bacteriodes. The average G＋C content was 56.4%. The isolates were screened for the presence of extracellular enzymes, viz. amylase, catalase, urease, esterase, lipase and protease. The disc diffusion method is used to screen antibiotic production by the isolates against four pathogenic bacteria, viz. Salmonella typhimurium （NCIM 2501）, Staphylococcus aureus （NCIM 2122）, Bacillus subtilis （NCIM 2193）, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa （NCIM 2036）. Nine out of 29 were found to be antibiotic producer.

线粒体Cyt b基因在鲑科品种鉴定中的可靠性分析

为探究Cyt b基因在鲑科鱼类品种鉴定中的可靠性,本研究从GenBank数据库中下载9种鲑科鱼类品种的Cyt b基因序列共997条。以Cyt b全基因和文献报道的两组Cyt b基因短片段(359和200 bp)为研究对象,对其序列变异和分子系统进化树进行分析,并筛选鲑科鱼类品种的微型DNA条形码。结果表明,仅当选用200 bp片段时,银鲑的最大种内遗传距离大于最小种间遗传距离,不存在条形码间隙(barcode gap)。同时,根据分子系统进化树分析,同一品种在基于不同Cyt b基因片段的邻接树中均聚为单系,且每一个分支的结点置信度均大于70%。因此,Cyt b可以作为条形码基因用于鲑科鱼类品种鉴定。本研究筛选获得的微型DNA条形码对鲑科鱼类品种具有良好的特异性。

鲤多拷贝基因MRC1的全基因组鉴定及表达分析

甘露糖受体C1型基因(mannose receptor C-type 1,MRC1)是C型凝集素超家族的成员之一,其编码的甘露糖受体是一种模式识别受体,在先天免疫反应中发挥关键作用。MRC1基因在哺乳动物免疫反应中的作用被广泛研究,但在鱼类中的研究较少。近年来,随着高密度集约化养殖模式的发展,由病原微生物引发的疾病频繁暴发,其中,嗜水气单胞菌(Aeromonas hydrophila)是常见的致病菌之一。本研究首次在鲤(Cyprinus carpio)全基因组范围鉴定MRC1基因,共发现11个基因拷贝,并进行了功能域预测、共线性分析、多序列比对和系统进化分析,结果表明,MRC1基因在物种进化过程中保守程度较高。拷贝数比较分析发现,MRC1基因在不同物种中表现出不同程度的多拷贝现象,在多数鱼类中发现2个拷贝,而在鲤中发现多达11个拷贝。同时,比较了各拷贝在健康鲤脑、肌肉、肝脏和脾脏组织中的表达情况,发现在免疫相关组织脾脏中的表达量相对高于其他组织。进一步对感染嗜水气单胞菌4、12、24 h后在鲤脾脏中的表达进行差异比较分析,发现不同拷贝的表达特征各有差异,其中,HHLG13g0734在感染嗜水气单胞菌4 h后表达显著上调,HHLG13g0734在感染24h后表现出极显著上调,HHLG3g0497在整个感染过程中表达显著下调,表明鲤MRC1基因只有部分拷贝保留了免疫相关功能及参与机体的免疫反应。本研究结果有助于进一步了解鲤MRC1基因在抵抗嗜水气单胞菌感染过程中发挥的免疫功能,并为分子选育抗病新品系提供一定的数据基础。

The complete genome of hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ289 and its phylogenetic relationship

Genus Pseudoalteromonas belongs to Family Pseudoalteromonadaceae in Gammaproteobacteria. A cold-adapted gram-negative bacterium, hydrocarbon-degrading Pseudoalteromonas sp. NJ289, was isolated from sea-ice of the Antarctica region, and sequenced the whole genome through the next generation sequencing platform. The assembly yielded three contigs representing two chromosomes and one plasmid with the sizes of 3.2 Mb, 636 kb and 1.8 kb, respectively. The G＋C contents of genome were 40.83% and included 3 589 ORFs. Functional annotation indicated some potential roles in enzymatic activity and environmental adaptability. This study may help for understanding the population diverse, evolutionary ecology and the microbial interaction.

Classes of tree-based networks

Recently,so-called tree-based phylogenetic networks have attracted considerable attention.These networks can be constructed from a phylogenetic tree,called the base tree,by adding additional edges.The primary aim of this study is to provide sufficient criteria for tree-basedness by reducing phylogenetic networks to related graph structures.Even though it is generally known that determining whether a network is tree-based is an NP-complete problem,one of these criteria,namely edge-basedness,can be verified in linear time.Surprisingly,the class of edgebased networks is closely related to a well-known family of graphs,namely,the class of generalized series-parallel graphs,and we explore this relationship in full detail.Additionally,we introduce further classes of tree-based networks and analyze their relationships.

安顺地区受检妇女中高危型人乳头瘤状病毒的检出及单核苷酸多态性特征

目的 探讨安顺地区受检妇女中高危型人乳头瘤病毒(HR-HPV)的检出及单核苷酸基因多态性(SNP)特征。方法 采集10 774例行HPV分型检测妇女的宫颈脱落细胞为细胞标本来源,选取其中HR-HPV阳性且有组织病理学活检指征的298例受检者的宫颈组织为组织标本来源,采用聚合酶链式反应(PCR)体外扩增和反向点杂交相结合检测宫颈脱落细胞的HPV基因分型,进一步采用SnapGene、MEGA11分析HPV52、HPV58型的SNP,采用苏木精-伊红(HE)染色判定宫颈组织的宫颈病变级别。结果 受检妇女中HR-HPV以单一感染为主、阳性率为20.36%,HR-HPV感染亚型主要为HPV52、HPV16、HPV58、HPV53及HPV51;宫颈病变中HR-HPV优势型别为HPV16、HPV52、HPV58、HPV18及HPV33;SNP和进化树分析发现,HPV52型E6和E7区SNP点分别有7个(其中A125T、A294G是新的突变位点,G350T、A379G突变率最高)和3个(其中T666C是新的突变位点,C751T、A801G突变率最高)、且HPV 52型均分布于B谱系,HPV58型E6、E7区SNP点分别有3个和8个、突变位点最高的是T744G、且HPV58型均分布于A谱系。结论 安顺地区受检妇女主要HPV阳性型别为HPV52、HPV16及HPV58型,宫颈病变中主要优势型别为HPV16、HPV52及HPV58型,且HPV52、HPV58有其特定的SNP。