AAV2-PDE6B restores retinal structure and function in the retinal degeneration 10 mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa by promoting phototransduction and inhibiting apoptosis

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited diseases that lead to retinal degeneration and photoreceptor cell death.However,there is no effective treatment for retinitis pigmentosa caused by PDE6B mutation.Adeno-associated virus(AAV)-mediated gene therapy is a promising strategy for treating retinitis pigmentosa.The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms by which AAV2-PDE6B rescues retinal function.To do this,we injected retinal degeneration 10(rd10)mice subretinally with AAV2-PDE6B and assessed the therapeutic effects on retinal function and structure using dark-and light-adapted electroretinogram,optical coherence tomography,and immunofluorescence.Data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate protein expression levels and pathway enrichment,and the results from this analysis were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.AAV2-PDE6B injection significantly upregulated PDE6βexpression,preserved electroretinogram responses,and preserved outer nuclear layer thickness in rd10 mice.Differentially expressed proteins between wild-type and rd10 mice were closely related to visual perception,and treating rd10 mice with AAV2-PDE6B restored differentially expressed protein expression to levels similar to those seen in wild-type mice.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins whose expression was most significantly altered by AAV2-PDE6B injection were enriched in phototransduction pathways.Furthermore,the phototransductionrelated proteins Pde6α,Rom1,Rho,Aldh1a1,and Rbp1 exhibited opposite expression patterns in rd10 mice with or without AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Finally,Bax/Bcl-2,p-ERK/ERK,and p-c-Fos/c-Fos expression levels decreased in rd10 mice following AAV2-PDE6B treatment.Our data suggest that AAV2-PDE6B-mediated gene therapy promotes phototransduction and inhibits apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway and upregulating Bcl-2/Bax expression in retinitis pigmentosa.

Phylogenetic Relationships of Monal Pheasants Lophophorus Inferred from Sequences of Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene

The phylogeny of the monal pheasants (Lophophorus) and their relationships to some species of the genera Tragopan,Pucrasia and Ithaginis were studied by comparing mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) nucleotide sequences.The molecular phylogenetic trees show that:①the genus Tragopan and the genus Pucrasia share a common ancestor which is the sister taxon of the ancestor of the genus Lophophorus;②the genus Lophophorus had evolved into two branches:One was the Sclaters Monal;the other included the Chinese Monal and the Himalayan Monal.Considering its molecular phylogeny,distribution patterns and morphological evidences,the genus Lophophorus might originate in the Hengduan mountains region of southwestern China.

DGGE Analysis on Mitochondrial Cyt b Gene of Eriocheir sinensis and Eriocheir hepuensis

[Objective] The aim was to investigate the possibility to analyze the genetic diversity of Eriocheir sinensis and Eriocheir hepuensis by using the technique denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis（DGGE）.[Method] Mitochondrial cyt b gene fragment was amplified from 180 individuals of five populations of E.sinensis and a population of E.hepuensis and then analyzed by using DGGE.[Result] All PCR products showed two kinds of electrophoretic mobility on DGGE.The PCR products of all individuals from E.hepuensis showed the same mobility with that of the individuals from 46.7% of Jiangdu population,23.3% of Yizheng population and 20.0% of Wenzhou population of E.sinensis,while the rest of the individuals from the three populations of E.sinensis mentioned above as well as all the individuals of Nanjing and Panjin populations showed the same mobility,which was higher compared with that of E.hepuensis.The results indicated that there was the same genetic marker in E.sinensis populations as that of E.hepuensis population,which was consistent with previous studies.[Conclusion] DGGE technique could be used to analyze the genetic diversity of Chinese mitten crab.

LncRNA MEG8通过靶向miR-15a-5p调控MICA/B介导结直肠癌细胞免疫逃逸

目的:探究长链非编码RNA母系表达基因8(LncRNA MEG8)通过靶向miR-15a-5p调控MHCⅠ类相关蛋白A/B(MICA/B)介导的结直肠癌(CRC)细胞免疫逃逸机制。方法:RT-qPCR、Western blot检测CRC组织和细胞系MEG8、miR-15a-5p、MICA、MICB、NKG2D蛋白水平;双荧光素酶实验验证MEG8对miR-15a-5p的调控关系;采用脂质体转染法将NC、MEG8、miR-NC、miR-15a-5p分别或共转染至SW480、SW620细胞,记为NC组、MEG8组、MEG8+miR-NC组、MEG8+miR-15a-5p组;将NK细胞分别与SW480、SW620细胞共培养;ELISA检测共培养液中TNF-α、IFN-γ水平;CCK-8、EdU染色、Transwell实验检测细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭能力;RT-qPCR、Western blot检测细胞MEG8、miR-15a-5p、MICA、MICB、NKG2D蛋白水平。结果:与癌旁组织或正常结肠上皮细胞相比,CRC组织和细胞系中MEG8、MICA、MICB、NKG2D mRNA和蛋白水平降低,miR-15a-5p水平升高(P<0.05)。MEG8靶向调控miR-15a-5p。共培养体系中,与NC组相比,MEG8组细胞MICA、MICB、NKG2D蛋白水平、共培养上清液中TNF-α、IFN-γ水平明显升高,培养1 d、2 d、3 d后,OD值、EdU阳性率、迁移和侵袭细胞数明显降低(P<0.05);过表达miR-15a-5p能部分逆转过表达MEG8对细胞MICA、MICB、NKG2D、TNF-α、IFN-γ水平和增殖、侵袭转移能力的影响(P<0.05)。结论:MEG8通过靶向miR-15a-5p调控MICA、MICB表达,促进NK细胞活性,抑制CRC细胞免疫逃逸。

miR-181b-5p靶向PTEN介导PI3K/Akt通路对弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤增殖和侵袭的影响

目的探讨微小RNA(miR)-181b-5p靶向调控10号染色体上缺失的磷酸酶及张力蛋白同源基因(PTEN)对弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤细胞增殖和侵袭的影响及其机制。方法第3代对数期SU-DHL-4细胞随机分为control组、mimic NC组、mimic组、inhibitor NC组和inhibitor组,qRT-PCR法检测各组miR-181b-5p和PTEN基因表达量,CCK-8法检测细胞增殖率,Transwell实验检测迁移和侵袭细胞数,双荧光素酶报告基因检测miR-181b-5p和PTEN之间的靶向关系,蛋白印迹法检测PTEN、磷酸化磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(p-PI3K)和磷酸化蛋白激酶B(p-Akt)蛋白表达量。结果与mimic NC组比较,mimic组miR-181b-5p基因表达量以及p-PI3K和p-Akt蛋白表达量升高,PTEN基因和蛋白表达量降低,细胞增殖率及迁移和侵袭率升高(P<0.05);与inhibitor NC组比较,inhibitor组miR-181b-5p基因表达量以及p-PI3K和p-Akt蛋白表达量降低,PTEN基因和蛋白表达量升高,细胞增殖率及迁移和侵袭率降低(P<0.05)。从机制上看,miR-181b-5p靶向调控PTEN。结论下调miR-181b-5p可抑制弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭,其可能是通过靶向调控PTEN激活PI3K/Akt信号通路发挥作用。

Phylogenetic Relationships of 11 Bumblebee Species (Hymenoptera:Apidae) Based on Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Gene Sequences

Phylogenetic relationships of 11 bumblebee species,including 5 subgenera:Bombus (5 species),Thoracobombus (3 species),Mendacibombus (1 species),Fervidobombus (1 species) and Pyrobombus (1 species),were analyzed based on the 357?bp mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences.There are 65 singleton polymorphic sites and 71 parsimony informative polymorphic sites in this DNA segment,and 45 polymorphic sites within the total 119 translated amino acids segment.Both NJ tree and MP tree show that Mendacibombus (B.avinovielllus) is basal to others,followed by Fervidobombus (B.pensylvanicus);Pyrobombus (B.impatiens) and Bombus are sister subgenera;the subgenus of Bombus is monophyletic,in which B.ignitus diverged first.

The cloning of 3'-truncated preS/S gene from HBV genomic DNA and its expression in transgenic mice

INTRODUCTIONHepatitis B virus (HBV) is regarded as one of themain etiologic factors involved in the developmentof human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).The open reading frame (orf)of X gene of HBVencoded a transactivating factor is the evidence thatstrongly supported the notion that the X gene ofHBV DNA integrated in HCC genomic DNA couldcontribute to the carcinogenesis of liver cells byactivation of some related cellular genes

Preliminary study on the production of transgenic mice harboring hepatitis B virus X gene

AIM To establish transgenic mice lineage xharboring hepatitis B virus X gene and to provide an efficient animal model for studying the exact role of the HBx gene in the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. METHODS The HBx transgenic mice were produced by microinjecting the construct with X gene of HBV (subtype adr) DNA fragment into fertilized eggs derived from inbred C57 BL/6 strain; transgenic mice were identified by using Nested PCR; expression and phenotype of HBx gene were analyzed in liver from transgenic mice at the age of 8 weeks by RT PCR, pathologic examination and periodic acid schiff staining (PAS), respectively. RESULTS Five hundred and fourteen fertilized eggs of C57 BL/6 mice were microinjected with recombinant retroviral DNA fragment, and 368 survival eggs injected were transferred to the oviducts of 18 pseudopregnant recipient mice, 8 of them became pregnant and gave birth to 20 F1 offspring. Of 20 offsprings, four males and two females carried the hybrid gene (HBx gene). Four male mice were determined as founder, named X1, X5, X9 and X15. These founders were back crossed to set up F1 generations with other inbred C57BL/6 mice or transgenic littermates, respectively. Transmission of HBx gene in F1 offspring of X1, X5 and X9 except in X15 followed Mendelian rules. The expression of HBx mRNA was detected in liver of F1 offspring from the founder mice (X1 and X9), which showed vacuolation lesion and glycogen positive foci. CONCLUSION Transgenic mice harboring HBx gene were preliminarily established.

Host cellular micro RNA involvement in the control of hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication

A large number of studies have demonstrated that the synergistic collaboration of a number of micro RNAs(mi RNAs), their growth factors and their downstream agents is required for the initiation and completion of pathogenesis in the liver. mi RNAs are thought to exert a profound effect on almost every aspect of liver biology and pathology. Accumulating evidence indicates that several mi RNAs are involved in the hepatitis B virus(HBV) life cycle and infectivity, in addition to HBVassociated liver diseases including fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In turn, HBV can modulate the expression of several cellular mi RNAs, thus promoting a favorable environment for its replication and survival. In this review, we focused on the involvement of host cellular mi RNAs that are directly and indirectly associated with HBV RNA or HBV associated transcription factors. Exploring different facets of the interactions among mi RNA, HBV and HCV infections, and the carcinogenesis and progress of HCC, could facilitate the development of novel and effective treatment approaches for liver disease.

Differentially expressed genes in hepatocellular carcinoma induced by woodchuck hepatitis B virus in mice

INTRODUCTIONHepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the major causes of death in the word.The mechanism of carcinogenesis is unknown,although it is widely accepted that HBV and HCV are clsely related to liver cancer[1-5[1-5].Previously,a variety of studies have described the differences in gene expression which distinguished tumor from nontumor[6-11].Cloning of the genes,especially the genes associated with HBV and HCV,is still very important to account for the development of liver cancer.

COOH-terminal deletion of HBx gene is a frequent event in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To investigate the hepatitis B virus (HBV) x gene (HBx) state in the tissues of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese patients and whether there were particular HBx mutations. METHODS: HBx gene was amplified and direct sequencing was used in genomic DNA samples from 20 HCC and corresponding non-cancerous liver tissues from HBsAg-positive patients. HBV DNA integration and HBx deleted mutation were validated in 45 HCC patients at different stages by Southern blot analysis and polymerase chain reaction methods. RESULTS: The frequencies of HBx point mutations were significantly lower in HCC than their corresponding non- cancerous liver tissues (11/19 vs 18/19, P = 0.019). In contrast, deletions in HBx gene were significantly higher in HCC than their non-cancerous liver tissues (16/19 vs 4/19, P < 0.001). The deletion of HBx COOH-terminal was detected in 14 HCC tissues. A specific integration of HBx at 17p13 locus was also found in 8 of 16 HCC, and all of them also exhibited full-length HBx deletions. Integrated or integrated coexistence with replicated pattern was obtained in 45.5% (20/45) - 56.8% (25/45) tumors and 40.9% (18/45) - 52.3% (23/45) non-tumor tissues. CONCLUSION: HBx deletion, especially the COOH- terminal deletion of HBx is a frequent event in HBV-associated HCC tissues in China. HBV integration had also taken place in partial HCC tissues. This supporting the hypothesis that deletion and probably integrated forms of the HBx gene may be implicated in liver carcinogenesis.

miR-29a up-regulation in AR42J cells contributes to apoptosis via targeting TNFRSF1A gene

AIM: To investigate the expression of mi R-29 a in rat acute pancreatitis and its functional role in AR42 J cell apoptosis.METHODS: Twelve SD rats were divided into a control group and an acute edematous pancreatitis(AEP) group randomly. AEP was induced by intraperitoneal injection of L-arginine(150 mg/kg) in the AEP group and equal volume of 0.9% Na Cl was injected in the control group. The apoptosis of acinar cells in pancreatic tissue was determined by TUNEL assay. mi RNA chip assay was performed to examine the expression of mi RNAs in two groups. Besides, to further explore the role of mi R-29 a in apoptosis in vitro, recombinant rat TNF-α(50 ng/m L) was administered to treat the rat pancreatic acinar cell line AR42 J for inducing AR42 J cell apoptosis. Quantitative real-time PCR(q RT-PCR) was adopted to measure mi R-29 a expression. Then, mi RNA mimic, mi RNA antisense oligonucleotide(AMO) and control vector were used to transfect AR42 J cells. The expression of mi R-29 a was confirmed by q RT-PCR andthe apoptosis rate of AR42 J cells was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Western blot was used to detect the expression of activated caspase3. Moreover, we used bioinformatics software and luciferase assay to test whether TNFRSF1 A was the target gene of mi R-29 a. After transfection, q RT-PCR and Western blot was used to detect the expression of TNFRSF1 A in AR42 J cells after transfection.RESULTS: The expression of mi R-29 a was much higher in the AEP group compared with the control group as displayed by the mi RNA chip assay. After inducing apoptosis of AR42 J cells in vitro, the expression of mi R-29 a was significantly increased by 1.49 ± 0.04 times in comparison with the control group. As revealed by q RT-PCR assay, the expression of mi R-29 a was 2.68 ± 0.56 times higher in the mi R-29 a mimic group relative to the control vector group, accompanied with an obviously increased acinar cell apoptosis rate(42.83 ± 1.25 vs 24.97 ± 0.15, P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of mi R-29 a in the mi RNA AMO group was 0.46 ± 0.05 times lower than the control vector group, and the cell apoptosis rate was much lower accordingly(17.27 ± 1.36 vs 24.97 ± 0.15, P < 0.05). The results of bioinformatics software and luciferase assay showed that TNFRSF1 A might be a target gene of mi R-29 a. TNFRSF1 A expression was up-regulated in the mi R-29 a mimic group, while the mi R-29 a AMO group showed the reverse trend.CONCLUSION: mi R-29 a might promote the apoptosis of AR42 J cells via up-regulating the expression of its target gene TNFRSF1 A.

Molecular Phylogeny of Slow Lorises (Nycticebus) Revealed by D-loop Sequences and Complete Cytochrome b Gene Sequences of Mitochondrial DNA

Partial sequences of the D-loop and the complete sequences of cytochrome b gene (1 140 bp) of the slow lorises (genus Nycticebus) were undertaken to investigate evolutionary relationships among species of Nycticebus.Sequence analysis results consistently provide new taxonomy evidence at the DNA level for supporting Ratajszczak and Groves’ viewpoint that N.intermedus is merely the adult of N.pygmaeus (Ratajszczak,1998;Groves,1971).Phylogenetic analysis was performed by means of the combined data and these two separate sequences data,respectively,by using various methods,supporting the same topology,in which genus Nycticebus was formed of two clusters.The first cluster was composed of N.pygmaeus,and the second cluster of N.coucang.It also could provide a new molecular genetic evidence to support the view that the genus comprises two species:N.coucang and N.pygmaeus.

Novel DNA vaccine based on hepatitis B virus core gene induces specific immune responses in Balb/c mice

AIM： To investigate the immunogenidty of a novel DNA vacoine, pSW3891/HBc, based on HBV core gene in Balb/c mice. METHODS： A novel DNA vaccine, pSW3891/HBc, encoding HBV core gene was constructed using a vector plasmid pSW3891. Balb/c mice were immunized with either pSW3891/HBc or empty vector DNA via gene gun. IgG anti-HBc responses in mouse sera were demonstrated by ELISA. Specific cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes （CTLs） of mice was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay. RESULTS： HBcAg was expressed effectively in 293T cell line transiently transfected with pSW3891/HBc. Strong IgG anti-HBc responses were elicited in mice immunized with pSW3891/HBc. The end-point titers of anti-HBc reached the highest 1：97 200, 4 wk after the third immunization. The specific CTL killing with the highest specific lysis reached 73.25% at effector：target ratio of 20：1 in mice that received pSW3891/HBc DNA vaccine. CONCLUSION： pSW3891/HBc vaccination elicits specific anti-HBc response and induces HBc-specific CTL response in immunized Balb/c mice.

miR-10b promotes porcine immature Sertoli cell proliferation by targeting the DAZAP1 gene

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) have been widely identified in porcine testicular tissues and implicated as crucial regulators of proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation in porcine spermatogenesis related cells. However, the function roles of most of the miRNAs that have been identified in Sertoli cells are poorly understood. In the present study, six experiments were conducted to study the regulatory role of miR-10b in porcine immature Sertoli cells. In experiment 1, the results showed that the relative mRNA expression level of miR-10b in porcine testicular tissues decreased quadratically(P<0.001) with increasing age, while the relative mRNA expression level of DAZAP1 gene increased(P<0.001). In addition, the mRNA expression of miR-10b was negatively(P<0.01) correlated with DAZAP1 mRNA expression(r=–0.550). In experiment 2, the results from the bioinformatic analysis and a luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that miR-10b directly targeted the DAZAP1 gene in porcine immature Sertoli cells. DAZAP1 mRNA and protein expressions were both regulated(P<0.05) by miR-10b. In experiments 3 to 5, the over-expression of miR-10b or the siRNA-mediated knockdown of the DAZAP1 gene promoted(P<0.05) porcine immature Sertoli cell proliferation, as determined by the Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) assay and the 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU) assay. However, an annexin V-FITC/PI staining assay and the expression of cell survival-related genes indicated that over-expression of miR-10b or knockdown of DAZAP1 had no effect(P>0.05) on porcine immature Sertoli cell apoptosis. In experiment 6, the co-transfection treatment results showed that miR-10b promoted(P<0.05) porcine immature Sertoli cell proliferation by targeting DAZAP1 gene. Overall, these experiments demonstrated that miR-10b promotes porcine immature Sertoli cell proliferation by targeting the DAZAP1 gene.

Exploring the dynamic three-dimensional chromatin architecture and transcriptional landscape in goose liver tissues underlying metabolic adaptations induced by a high-fat diet

Background Goose, descendants of migratory ancestors, have undergone extensive selective breeding, resulting in their remarkable ability to accumulate fat in the liver and exhibit a high tolerance for significant energy intake. As a result, goose offers an excellent model for studying obesity, metabolic disorders, and liver diseases in mammals. Although the impact of the three-dimensional arrangement of chromatin within the cell nucleus on gene expression and transcriptional regulation is widely acknowledged, the precise functions of chromatin architecture reorganization during fat deposition in goose liver tissues still need to be fully comprehended.Results In this study, geese exhibited more pronounced changes in the liver index and triglyceride(TG) content following the consumption of the high-fat diet(HFD) than mice without significant signs of inflammation. Additionally, we performed comprehensive analyses on 10 goose liver tissues(5 HFD, 5 normal), including generating highresolution maps of chromatin architecture, conducting whole-genome gene expression profiling, and identifying H3K27ac peaks in the livers of geese and mice subjected to the HFD. Our results unveiled a multiscale restructuring of chromatin architecture, encompassing Compartment A/B, topologically associated domains, and interactions between promoters and enhancers. The dynamism of the three-dimensional genome architecture, prompted by the HFD, assumed a pivotal role in the transcriptional regulation of crucial genes. Furthermore, we identified genes that regulate chromatin conformation changes, contributing to the metabolic adaptation process of lipid deposition and hepatic fat changes in geese in response to excessive energy intake. Moreover, we conducted a cross-species analysis comparing geese and mice exposed to the HFD, revealing unique characteristics specific to the goose liver compared to a mouse. These chromatin conformation changes help elucidate the observed characteristics of fat deposition and hepatic fat regulation in geese under conditions of excessive energy intake.Conclusions We examined the dynamic modifications in three-dimensional chromatin architecture and gene expression induced by an HFD in goose liver tissues. We conducted a cross-species analysis comparing that of mice. Our results contribute significant insights into the chromatin architecture of goose liver tissues, offering a novel perspective for investigating mammal liver diseases.

基于HNRNPA2B1及其调控miRNAs构建肺腺癌TP53突变人群的预后模型

目的基于癌症基因组图谱(TCGA)数据库多组学数据构建肺腺癌TP53突变人群的预后模型,探讨核内不均一核糖核蛋白A2/B1(HNRNPA2B1)与肺腺癌TP53突变之间的相关性。方法通过生物信息学方法搜集TCGA和基因表达数据库(GEO)中的突变数据,分析TP53突变对肺腺癌病人HNRNPA2B1表达及预后的影响;将病人随机分为训练集和验证集(7∶3),筛选潜在的受HNRNPA2B1调控的miRNAs构建模型、绘制ROC曲线,并通过列线图可视化。结果HNRNPA2B1在TP53突变肺腺癌中显著高表达(P<0.001),且高表达病人预后不良(P=0.031)。筛选出9个受HNRNPA2B1调控且与预后相关的miRNAs构建预后模型,结果表明列线图对预后模型具有较好的区分度和准确度(χ^(2)=9.443,P=0.306)。结论HNRNPA2B1与肺腺癌TP53突变存在正相关,基于HNRNPA2B1调控的miRNAs可建立预测TP53突变肺腺癌病人预后的良好模型。

Cloning, characterization, and expression of Cytochrome b (Cytb)——a key mitochondrial gene from Prorocentrum donghaiense

Mitochondrial cytochrome b （Cytb）, one of the few proteins encoded by the mitochondrial DNA, plays an important role in transferring electrons. As a mitochondrial gene, it has been widely used for phylogenetic analysis. Previously, a 949-bp fragment of the coding gene and mRNA editing were characterized from Prorocentrum donghaiense, which might prove useful for resolving P. donghaiense from closely related species. However, the full-length coding region has not been characterized. Ih this study, we used rapid amplification of cDNA ends （RACE） to obtain full-length, 1 124 bp cDNA. Cytb transcript contained a standard initiation codon ATG, but did not have a recognizable stop codon. Homology comparison showed that the P. donghaiense Cytb had a high sequence identity to Cytb sequences from other dinoflagellate species. Phylogenetic analysis placed Cytb from P. donghaiense in the clade of dinoflagellates and it clustered together strongly with that from P. minimum. Based on the full-length sequence, we inferred 32 editing events at different positions, accounting for 2.93% of the Cytb gene. 34.4% （11） of the changes were A to G, 25% （8） were T to C, and 25% （8） were C to U, with smaller proportions of G to C and G to A edits （9.4% （3） and 6.2% （2）, respectively）. The expression level of the Cytb transcript was quantified by real-time PCR with a TaqMan probe at different times during the whole growth phase. The average Cytb transcript was present at 39.277.46 copies of cDNA per cell during the whole growth cycle, and the expression of Cytb was relatively stable over the different phases. These results deepen our understanding of the structure and characteristics of Cytb in P. donghaiense, and confirmed that Cytb in P. donghaiense is a candidate reference gene for studying the expression of other genes.

Antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid in transgenic mice

AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid(LNA) in transgenic mice.METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and positive for serum HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) and HBV DNA, were randomly divided into 5 groups(n = 7), including negative control(blank control, unrelated sequence control), positive control(lamivudine, anti-sense-LNA), and anti-gene-LNA experimental group. LNA was injected into transgenic mice by tail vein while lamivudine was administeredby gavage. Serum HBV DNA and HBs Ag levels were determined by fluorescence-based PCR and enzymelinked immune sorbent assay, respectively. HBV S gene expression amounts were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive rates of HBsA g in liver cells were evaluated immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Average rate reductions of HBs Ag after treatment on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 32.34%, 45.96%, and 59.15%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of antigene-LNA on serum HBs Ag peaked on day 7, with statistically significant differences compared with pretreatment(0.96 ± 0.18 vs 2.35 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). Average reduction rates of HBV DNA on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 38.55%, 50.95%, and 62.26%, respectively. This inhibitory effect peaked on the 7 th day after treatment with anti-gene-LNA, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment(4.17 ± 1.29 vs 11.05 ± 1.25, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). The mR NA levels of the HBV S gene(P < 0.05 for all) and rates of HBsA g positive liver cells(P < 0.05 for all) were significantly reduced compared with the control groups. Liver and kidney function, and histology showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSION Anti-gene-LNA targeting the S gene of HBV displays strong inhibitory effects on HBV in transgenic mice, providing theoretical and experimental bases for gene therapy in HBV.

Preliminary Study on Function of Calcineurin B-Like Protein Gene OsCBL8 in Rice

The homozygous T3 transgenic lines with sense OsCBL8 gene and antisense OsCBL8 gene obtained by agro-transformation were used to investigate the function of OsCBL8 in rice. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed that the expression of OsCBL8 extremely increased in sense transgenic lines, and decreased to some extents in antisense transgenic lines. Such up- and down-regulation of the OsCBL8 gene in these transgenic lines had little effects on main agronomic traits, but significantly decreased the number of filled grains per panicle and seed setting rate in some of transgenic lines. By evaluation of the tolerance to 150 mmol/L NaCl, 20% PEG6000 and low temperature treatments, and relevant physiological indices, 8F12, a sense transgenic line with high salt tolerance, and 8R14, an antisense transgenic line with high drought tolerance, were obtained, which suggests that the OsCBL8 gene is involved in the response of rice to abiotic stresses.