Molecular Phylogenetic Lineage of Plagiopogon and Askenasia (Protozoa,Ciliophora) Revealed by Their Gene Sequences

Prostomates and haptorians are two basal groups of ciliates with limited morphological characteristics available for taxonomy. Morphologically, the structures used to identify prostomates and haptorians are similar or even identical, which generate heavy taxonomic and phylogenetic confusion. In present work, phylogenetic positions lineage of two rare genera, Plagiopogon and Askenasia, were investigated. Three genes including small subunit ribosomal RNA gene(hereafter SSU r DNA), internal transcribed spacer region(ITS region), and large subunit ribosomal RNA gene(LSU r DNA) were analyzed, 10 new sequences five species each. Our findings included 1) class Prostomatea and order Haptorida are multiphyletic; 2) it may not be appropriate to place order Cyclotrichiida in subclass Haptoria, and the systematic lineage of order Cyclotrichiida needs to be verified further; 3) genus Plagiopogon branches consistently within a clade covering most prostomes and is basal of clade Colepidae, implying its close lineage to Prostomatea; and 4) Askenasia is phylogenetically distant from the subclass Haptoria but close to classes Prostomatea, Plagiopylea and Oligohymenophorea. We supposed that the toxicyst of Askenasia may be close to taxa of prostomes instead of haptorians, and the dorsal brush is a more typical morphological characteristics of haptorians than toxicysts.     

Identification and characterization of a Dna J gene from red alga Pyropia yezoensis(Bangiales,Rhodophyta)

Members of the Dna J family are proteins that play a pivotal role in various cellular processes, such as protein folding, protein transport and cellular responses to stress. In the present study, we identified and characterized the full-length Dna J c DNA sequence from expressed sequence tags of Pyropia yezoensis( Py Dna J) via rapid identification of c DNA ends. This c DNA encoded a protein of 429 amino acids, which shared high sequence similarity with other identified Dna J proteins, such as a heat shock protein 40/Dna J from Pyropia haitanensis. The relative m RNA expression level of Py Dna J was investigated using real-time PCR to determine its specific expression during the algal life cycle and during desiccation. The relative m RNA expression level in sporophytes was higher than that in gametophytes and significantly increased during the whole desiccation process. These results indicate that Py Dna J is an authentic member of the Dna J family in plants and red algae and might play a pivotal role in mitigating damage to P. yezoensis during desiccation.     

Development of an in situ loop-mediated isothermal amplification technique for chromosomal localization of DNA sequences

In situ loop-mediated isothermal amplification (in situ LAMP) combines in situ hybridization and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) techniques for chromosomal localization of DNA sequences. In situ LAMP is a method that is generally more specific and sensitive than conventional techniques such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), primed in situ labeling (PRINS), and cycling primed in situ labeling (C-PRINS). Here, we describe the development and application of in situ LAMP to identify the chromosomal localization of DNA sequences. To benchmark this technique, we successfully applied this technique to localize the major ribosomal RNA gene on the chromosomes of the Zhikong scallop (Chlamys farreri).     

Design of Vibrio 16S rRNA Gene Specific Primers and Their Application in the Analysis of Seawater Vibrio Community

The pathogenic species of genus Vibrio cause vibriosis, one of the most prevalent diseases of maricultured animals and seafood consumers. Monitoring their kinetics in the chain of seafood production, processing and consumption is of great importance for food and mariculture safety. In order to enrich Vibrio-representing 16S ribosomal RNA gene （rDNA） fragments and identify these bacteria further real-timely and synchronously among bacterial flora in the chain, a pair of primers that selectively amplify Vibrio 16S rDNA fragments were designed with their specificities and coverage testified in the analysis of seawater Vibrio community. The specificities and coverage of two primers, VF169 and VR744, were determined theoretically among bacterial 16S rDNAs available in GenBank by using BLAST program and practically by amplifying Vibrio 16S rDNA fragments from seawater DNA. More than 88.3% of sequences in GenBank, which showed identical matches with VR744, belong to Vibrio genus. A total of 33 clones were randomly selected and sequenced. All of the sequences showed their highest similarities to and clustered around those of diverse known Vibrio species. The primers designed are capable of retrieving a wide range of Vibrio 16S rDNA fragments specifically among bacterial flora in seawater, the most important natural environment of seafood cultivation.     

一种提取高质量贝类基因组DNA的简易方法

以企鹅珍珠贝(Pteria penguin)闭壳肌为样品,利用高盐+十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)除去蛋白和多糖,用低盐+十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB)进一步纯化DNA,建立一种贝类基因组DNA简便、安全、经济的提取方法。改进后的SDS-CTAB法提取的DNA纯度较高,无蛋白质和RNA污染;酶切和AFLP实验验证表明,所提取DNA可满足酶切分析和分子标记等实验的要求。     

Taxonomic Clarification of A Well-Known Pathogenic Scuticociliate,Miamiensis avidus Thompson & Moewus,1964(Ciliophora,Scuticociliatia)

Miamiensis avidus Thompson Moewus,1964,is a cosmopolitan and well-known marine pathogenic ciliated protist.However,the taxonomy of this species up to now has remained controversial,especially with respect to the validity of the morphologically similar species,Philasterides dicentrarchi,which was considered as a junior synonym of M.avidus.In this study,a population of M.avidus was collected from the skin of pharaoh cuttlefish(Sepia pharaonis) cultured near the East China Sea,Ningbo,China and its morphology and phylogeny were investigated in detail based on living characters,infraciliature,small subunit(SSU) r DNA and ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 region sequences.In addition,the morphometrics of a previously reported free-living population,collected from the Bohai Sea,were rechecked and analyzed.We compared the present two isolates with all historic populations of M.avidus and P.dicentrarchi,and found that their morphological characters were either highly similar or exactly identical,indicating that they are the same morphospecies.However,the phylogenetic analyses based on SSU r DNA or ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 region sequences revealed that most M.avidus and P.dicentrarchi populations formed one clade,and the two isolates of M.avidus from Weifang and American Type Culture Collection clustered in another clade,which indicated that there might be cryptic species in Miamiensis avidus.     

Effects on the STAT3-shRNA in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Therapy: Design,Induction of Apoptosis,and Conjugation with Chitosan-Based Gene Vectors

STAT3 plays a particularly important role in several cancer-related signal transduction pathways. Silencing STAT3 via RNA interference or small molecule inhibitors induces the apoptosis of tumor cells, thereby inhibiting the growth of the tumors. In this study, short-hairpin RNA sequences targeting the STAT3 genes were designed, synthesized, and then connected to pGPU6/GFP/Neo plasmids as the shRNA-expression vectors. The expression of STAT3-shRNA was analyzed by real-time PCR, western blotting, and cell apoptosis assay to study the growth and apoptosis of the cells. Then, the effect of STAT3 knockdown on the NCI-H1650 cells was studied in a tumor mouse model. The results revealed that, after an in vitro transfection, the proliferation of NCI-H1650 cells was inhibited, and the cells were induced to apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of STAT3 were downregulated in the STAT3-sh RNA group. In vivo, the tumor mass and volume in the STAT3-sh RNA group were significantly lower than in the other two groups. Both the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated a long-period inhibiting effect on NSCLC, especially in vivo,when the tumor inhibition rate could reach 50% in the STAT3-shRNA group, which is an exciting outcome. Moreover, the study of the conjugation of STAT3-shRNA and chitosan-based vectors revealed that they could be combined steadily with good cytocompatibility and transfection efficiency. These results together provide convincing evidence for the application of STAT3-shRNA used in the treatment of non-small lung cancer, which could be a promoting prospect for the development of gene therapy.     

RNA/DNA ratio and LPL and MyoD mRNA expressions in muscle ofOreochromis niloticus fed with elevated levels of palm oil

Palm oil is of great potential as one of the sustainable alternatives to fish oil (FO) in aquafeeds. In this present study, five isonitrogenous diets (32% crude protein) with elevated palm oil levels of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% were used during an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate its effects on RNA/DNA ratio and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and MyoD mRNA expressions in muscle of Oreochromis niloticus. The results showed that RNA, DNA content as well as ratio of RNA to DNA were significantly affected (P < 0.05), in each case the highest was recorded in fish group subjected to 6% palm oil level. There was a strong positive correlation between nucleic acid concentration (RNA concentration and RNA: DNA ratio) and specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), while a negative correlation existed between nucleic acid concentration (RNA concentration and RNA: DNA ratio) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The mRNA expressions of LPL and MyoD in muscle were not significantly affected by the different palm oil levels, although the highest expression was observed in fish fed with 6% palm oil level. There also existed a strong positive correlation between the mRNA expression of LPL, MyoD and SGR, PER, while their correlation with FCR was negative. In conclusion, elevated palm oil affected the RNA, DNA concentration as well as RNA/DNA ratio significantly, although the mRNA expression of LPL and MyoD were not affected significantly by elevated palm oil levels.     

Species identification and phylogenetic analysis of genus Nassarius (Nassariidae) based on mitochondrial genes

Genus Nassarius contains many subgenera, such as Zeuxis, Telasco, Niotha, Varicinassa, Plicarcularia, Nassarius s. str. and Reticunassa. On the basis of morphological characteristics of the shell and radula and sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA genes, Nassarius specimens collected from the South China Sea were identified and phylogenetically analyzed. Although Nassarius sp. and Nassarius (Varicinassa) variciferus were morphologically different in their shells, few variations were found among their radular teeth and sequences of mtCOI and mt16S RNA genes. Therefore, Nassarius sp. should be classified as N. (Varicinassa) variciferus. Nassarius (Zeuxis) sp. has only a subtle difference from Nassarius (Zeuxis) algidus on the shell, but it shows obvious differences in radular teeth and DNA sequence, indicating that they are two distinct species. Sequence divergence of mtCOI and mt16S RNA genes within Nassarius species was much lower than that between species, suggesting that these two genes are suitable for Nassarius species identification. Phylogenetic analysis (neighbor-joining and maximum parsimony) based on mtCOI and mt16S rRNA genes revealed the presence of two groups in genus Nassarius and a closest relationship between subgenera Zeuxis and Telasco. Species of subgenus Plicarcularia did not form a single clade. The molecular phylogeny was not congruent with the previous morphological phylogeny. The subgeneric divisions of genus Nassarius appear to be uncertain and unreliable.     

Molecular Characterization,Tissue Distribution and Localization of Larimichthys crocea Kif3a and Kif3b and Expression Analysis of Their Genes During Spermiogenesis

KIF3A and KIF3B are two N-terminal motor proteins belonging to the kinesin-II superfamily that play essential roles in spermiogenesis. To understand the roles played by KIF3 A/3B during spermatogenesis of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea, we studied the testis characteristics at different developmental stages of L. crocea, and determined the spatiotemporal expression patterns of kif3a and kif3b during spermiogenesis. Quantitative real-time PCR(qR T-PCR) showed that the overall trends of kif3 a/3 b m RNA abundance during testis development are similar. From stage II to stage V, kif3a/3b m RNA abundances first increased and then fell after reaching a peak at stage IV. Interestingly, the m RNA abundances of both genes at stage V were higher than those at stages II and III. In addition, it is worth of noting that kif3 b m RNA abundance was higher than that of kif3a at all stages. Fluorescence in situ hybridization results revealed that kif3a/3b m RNA abundance dynamics were consistent with the migration of mitochondria, the deformation of nucleus, and the formation of tail. The m RNA hybridization signals of both genes first appeared either around the nuclear periphery or on the side of the nuclei, then appeared at one side of nuclei, and finally were mainly on the tail during spermiogenesis. Our findings contributed to better understanding the molecular mechanisms of spermiogenesis in fish; and suggested that KIF3A and KIF3B may participate in the intracellular transport of mitochondria, nuclear deformation, and the formation of tail during the spermiogenesis in L. crocea.     

冲绳日本绒螯蟹线粒体DNA 12S rRNA序列的研究

采集日本冲绳源河川和边野古川的日本绒螯蟹样品 ,参考果蝇与蚤状氵蚤线粒体 DNA12 Sr RNA基因片段序列进行了其相同片段的引物设计、PCR扩增及序列测定。结果表明冲绳两河川 4只日本绒螯蟹的碱基序列完全相同 ,为 4 58bp,其 A、T、G、C含量分别为 16 0 bp(34.94 % )、 179bp(39.0 8% )、4 9bp(10 .70 % )、70 bp(15.2 8% ) ,同果蝇与蚤状氵蚤相同基因片段的序列含量相似。     

The cytochemistry of oocytes of Chinese shrimpPenaeus orientalis

In the growth of oocytes ofPenaeus orientalis Kishinouye, five stages were distinguished. Histochemical tests showed the presence of DNA in the chromatin and nucleolus of the cell. The cytoplasm at the previtellogenetic stage and the nucleolus are rich in RNA and the proteins abounding with cysteine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The yolk consists mainly of proteins and phospholipids. The 1,2-glycol groups of carbohydrate occur in the cytoplasm at stage II, and aggregate mostly into cortical rods at stages IV and V. Neutral lipid droplets, and protein containing disulfides, appear in the cytoplasm at stages III and IV respectively. The proteins in the cortical rod differ from those in other components of the cell in the presence of cystine and absence of arginine.     

淋巴囊肿病毒中国分离株基因组序列和结构分析

LCDV-cn是分离自中国养殖牙鲆的淋巴囊肿病病原,给中国牙鲆养殖业带来了严重危害。通过PCR、克隆和测序,获得了LCDV-cn部分基因的序列,证明LCDV-cn与LCDV-C的基因组序列是一致的。比较基因组学分析发现,LCDV-cn基因组中有137个ORF是其独有的、与LCDV-1及其它虹彩病毒无同源区域。对LCDV-cn基因组进行生物信息学分析发现,在LCDV-cn独有的ORF中,有的编码与宿主同源的蛋白,有的编码与DNA复制相关的蛋白,某些ORF编码的蛋白含有跨膜区等。LCDV-cn的独有基因或许对其毒力和宿主范围有关。     

Integrating a DNA barcoding project with an ecological survey: a case study on temperate intertidal polychaete communities in Qingdao, China

In this study, we integrated a DNA barcoding project with an ecological survey on intertidal polychaete communities and investigated the utility of CO1 gene sequence as a DNA barcode for the classification of the intertidal polychaetes. Using 16S rDNA as a complementary marker and combining morphological and ecological characterization, some of dominant and common polychaete species from Chinese coasts were assessed for their taxonomic status. We obtained 22 haplotype gene sequences of 13 taxa, including 10 CO1 sequences and 12 16S rDNA sequences. Based on intra- and inter-specific distances, we built phylogenetic trees using the neighbor-joining method. Our study suggested that the mitochondrial CO1 gene was a valid DNA barcoding marker for species identification in polychaetes, but other genes, such as 16S rDNA, could be used as a complementary genetic marker. For more accurate species identification and effective testing of species hypothesis, DNA barcoding should be incorporated with morphological, ecological, biogeographical, and phylogenetic information. The application of DNA barcoding and molecular identification in the ecological survey on the intertidal polychaete communities demonstrated the feasibility of integrating DNA taxonomy and ecology.     

大口黑鲈抗菌肽hepcidin cDNA序列和结构分析

以大口黑鲈为材料,提取肝脏总RNA,经RT-PCR扩增出hepcidin cDNA的开放阅读框(ORF)及3′端非编码区序列,应用5′RACE方法得到大口黑鲈hepcidin cDNA5′末端。将所获得的两个片段分别克隆到T载体后进行测序,并拼接成大口黑鲈hepcidin全长cDNA。序列分析表明:大口黑鲈hepcidin全长cDNA为564bp,含有一个258bp的ORF,编码86个氨基酸残基,由信号肽(24个残基)、前肽(42个残基)和成熟肽(20个残基)3部分组成hepcidin前体。在前肽部分具有前肽转化酶典型的RX(K/R)R基元,成熟肽部分含有8个保守的半胱氨酸残基,可形成四个链内二硫桥,使β-折叠结构保持稳定。大口黑鲈Hepcidin与其他鱼类的同源性在29.7%~90.5%间,尤其是信号肽区域,与鳜、尼罗罗非鱼、真鲷、花鲈、黑鯛、金眼狼鲈仅有2~3个氨基酸的差别。     

Complete nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence amplification and molecular analyses of B angia(Bangiales,Rhodophyta) from China

Filamentous Bangia,which are distributed extensively throughout the world,have simple and similar morphological characteristics.Scientists can classify these organisms using molecular markers in combination with morphology.We successfully sequenced the complete nuclear ribosomal DNA.approximately 13 kb in length,from a marine Bangia population.We further analyzed the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene(nrSSU) and the internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequence regions along with nine other marine,and two freshwater Bangia samples from China.Pairwise distances of the nrSSU and 5.8S ribosomal DNA gene sequences show the marine samples grouping together with low divergences(0-0.003;0-0.006,respectively) from each other,but high divergences(0.123-0.126;0.198,respectively) from freshwater samples.An exception is the marine sample collected from Weihai,which shows high divergence from both other marine samples(0.063-0.065;0.129,respectively) and the freshwater samples(0.097;0.120,respectively).A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree based on a combined SSU-ITS dataset with maximum likelihood method shows the samples divided into three clades,with the two marine sample clades containing Bangia spp.from North America,Europe,Asia,and Australia;and one freshwater clade,containing Bangia atropurpurea from North America and China.     

Phylogeny of subclass Scuticociliatia (Protozoa, Ciliophora) using combined data inferred from genetic, morphological, and morphogenetic evidence

Gene sequence-based genealogies of scuticociliates are different from those produced by morphological analyses. For this reason, 11 representative scuticociliates and two ambiguously related genera were chosen to test the ability of combined phylogenetic analyses using both gene sequences and morphological/morphogenetic characteristics. Analyses of both the SSrRNA gene sequences and the combined datasets revealed a consistent branching pattern. While the terminal branches and the order level relationships were generally well resolved, the family level relationships remain unresolved. However, two other trees based on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region sequences and morphological/morphogenetic characters showed limited information, due to a lack of informative sites in these two datasets. Our data suggest, however, that the combined analysis of morphological/morphogenetic characters and gene sequences did produce some changes to the phylogenetic estimates of this group.