Cell-autonomous action of zebrafish spt-1 mutation in specific mesodermal precursors

In zebrafish, as in Xenopus, the well-orchestrated cell movements of gastrulation can be dissected into several components, including epiboly, involution, convergence and extension. Embryos homozygous for the recessive lethal mutation spt-1(b104) or 'spadetail' have a complex set of defects in the trunk of the embryo that may arise secondarily after loss of one of these movements, convergence, from those precursors that would normally have given rise to trunk somitic mesoderm. We have now tested this hypothesis by transplanting cells between wild-type and mutant embryos, to identify the cells that spt-1 affects directly. Our results show that the mutation autonomously affects only those mesodermal precursors located along the lateral margin of the early gastrula blastoderm. Other mesodermal cells and all ectodermal precursors seem not to require function of the wild-type gene. Our findings reveal an unexpectedly delicate genetic control of vertebrate gastrulation.     

Sox9基因转染诱导L6大鼠成肌细胞向软骨细胞表型分化的研究

利用脂质体转染法,将真核表达质粒pcDNA3.1-Sox9导入L6胞中.通过细胞增殖检测、细胞形态学观察、标志基因表达分析和甲苯胺蓝染色等方法分析Sox9基因转染对L6细胞增殖和向成软骨方向分化的诱导作用.结果表明,Sox9基因转染对L6细胞的增殖能力没有影响,但能明显抑制L6细胞相互融合形成肌管.和对照相比,Sox9基因转染后,细胞成肌分化标志基因Myf5的表达受到明显抑制,而成软骨分化标志基因Ⅱ型胶原（type Ⅱ collagen ,Col2a1）和蛋白聚糖（Aggrecan,Agg）的表达显著     

1-羟基苯并三氮唑和钼酸钠对铜的缓蚀协同作用

采用电化学、扫描电子显微镜、X射线光电子能谱等实验方法研究了1-羟基苯并三氮唑(BTAOH)和钼酸钠(Na2Mo O4)复配后对铜在ASTM D 1384模拟大气腐蚀溶液中的缓蚀协同作用.电化学实验结果表明:BTAOH与Na2Mo O4在50 mg·L-1的质量浓度条件下,以2∶1复配使用能够显著提高铜在模拟大气腐蚀溶液中的电荷转移电阻,降低腐蚀电流密度,缓蚀率达到90.7%;铜在模拟大气腐蚀溶液中的腐蚀产物呈聚集柱状堆砌在表面,而在含有缓蚀剂的溶液中表面平整致密,且疏水性增强,接触角显著增大至91.8°.X射线光电子能谱结果显示Na2Mo O4与铜表面作用后形成Mo O3和Mo O2,两种氧化物填充在BTAOH形成的表面膜的缝隙中,提高了膜的致密性,对铜产生良好的保护作用.     

Redox regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B involves a sulphenyl-amide intermediate

The second messenger hydrogen peroxide is required for optimal activation of numerous signal transduction pathways, particularly those mediated by protein tyrosine kinases. One mechanism by which hydrogen peroxide regulates cellular processes is the transient inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases through the reversible oxidization of their catalytic cysteine, which suppresses protein dephosphorylation. Here we describe a structural analysis of the redox-dependent regulation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), which is reversibly inhibited by oxidation after cells are stimulated with insulin and epidermal growth factor. The sulphenic acid intermediate produced in response to PTP1B oxidation is rapidly converted into a previously unknown sulphenyl-amide species, in which the sulphur atom of the catalytic cysteine is covalently linked to the main chain nitrogen of an adjacent residue. Oxidation of PTP1B to the sulphenyl-amide form is accompanied by large conformational changes in the catalytic site that inhibit substrate binding. We propose that this unusual protein modification both protects the active-site cysteine residue of PTP1B from irreversible oxidation to sulphonic acid and permits redox regulation of the enzyme by promoting its reversible reduction by thiols.     

Analysis of intron sequence variability of the conservative HMG-box of Sox9 genes in allotetraploids and their original parents

The Sox genes of allotetraploids and their original maternal red crucian carp (Carassius caassius red var.) and original paternal common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were detected by PCR with the designed primers based on the conserved HMG-box sequence in different species. Sequencing of Sox genes indicated that two Sox9 genes (Atsox9a and Atsox9b) existed in allotetraploids, while only one Sox9 gene existed in red crucian carp (Rcsox9a) and common carp (Ccsox9b) . All of the four Sox9 genes contained an intron in the HMG-box. with the sizes of 413 bp, 703 bp, 401 bp and 714 bp, respectively. Moreover, the introns obeyed the rule of "GT-AG" . A high similarity was observed between introns of Atsox9a and Rcsox9a (94.4%), Atsox9b and Ccsox9b (97.8%). Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequences of their corresponding exons all shared 100% identity. Thus, introns of the HMG-domain of Sox9s in allotetraploids and their original parents have not only the length polymorphism but also intron variability. Our results provide significant molecular evidence for the origin and evolution of allotetraploids.     

G9a对TMS1基因表观调控作用的研究

为探究组蛋白H3K9me2催化酶G9a对甲基化诱导静止基因1(Target of Methylation induced gene Silencing 1, TMS1)的表观调控作用, 通过染色质免疫共沉淀实验检测G9a在TMS1基因启动子区域的结合情况, 然后构建shRNA表达载体转入细胞敲低G9a, 检测TMS1启动子区域组蛋白H3K9me2修饰程度与TMS1 mRNA表达水平.研究结果显示G9a在TMS1基因启动子区域有结合, 敲低G9a后, TMS1基因启动子区域H3K9me2抑制性修饰程度降低, TMS1 mRNA表达水平上升.此结果表明G9a可能通过在TMS1基因启动子区域产生H3K9me2抑制性修饰的方式参与了TMS1基因的表观调控.     

Analysis of intron sequence variability of the conservative HMG-box of Sox9 genes in allotetraploids and their original parents

The Sox genes of allotetraploids and their original maternal red crucian carp （Carassius caassius red var.） and original paternal common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were detected by PCR with the designed primers based on the conserved HMG-box sequence in different species. Sequencing of Sox genes indicated that two Sox9 genes (Atsox9a and Atsox9b) existed in allotetraploids, while only one Sox9 gene existed in red crucian carp (Rcsox9a) and common carp (Ccsox9b). All of the four Sox9 genes contained an intron in the HMG-box, with the sizes of 413 bp, 703 bp, 401 bp and 714 bp, respectively. Moreover, the introns obeyed the rule of “GT-AG”. A high similarity was observed between introns of Atsox9a and Rcsox9a (94.4%), Atsox9b and Ccsox9b (97.8%). Interestingly, the deduced amino acid sequences of their corresponding exons all shared 100% identity. Thus, introns of the HMG-domain of Sox9s in allotetraploids and their original parents have not only the length polymorphism but also intron variability. Our results provide significant molecular evidence for the origin and evolution of allotetraploids.     

Insulin gene enhancer binding protein Isl-1 is a member of a novel class of proteins containing both a homeo- and a Cys-His domain.

The activity of the rat insulin I gene enhancer is mainly dependent on two cis-acting protein-binding domains. Here we report the isolation of a complementary DNA encoding a protein, Isl-1, that binds to one of these domains. Isl-1 contains a homeodomain with greatest similarity to those of the Caenorhabditis elegans proteins encoded by mec-3 and lin-11. In addition, Isl-1, like the lin-11 and mec-3 gene products, contains a novel Cys-His domain which is reminiscent of known metal-binding regions. Together these proteins define a novel class of proteins containing both a homeo- and a Cys His-domain. Isl-1 is preferentially expressed in cells of pancreatic endocrine origin. If the structural homologies between Isl-1 and the C. elegans gene products reflect functional similarities, a role for Isl-1 in the development of pancreatic endocrine cells could be envisaged.     

鸟类性别鉴定的方法及性比研究的进展

了解鸟类种群的性比状况,就要找到一种适合该种群的快捷方便、采样量少、鉴定精度高的性别鉴定方法,并利用此方法统计该种群性比现状.总结了并比较了鸟类性别鉴定的各种方法,并指出针对性染色体特异基因序列(CHD基因)的聚合酶链式反应(PCR)方法,是迄今发现适用范围最广、最为简单快捷、准确可靠的、常见的鸟类性别鉴定的方法.介绍了利用该方法对鸟类性比研究的进展.     

页岩氮气吸附BET比表面积测定误差校正方法

基于多分子层吸附理论的BET模型是最成熟、最常用于比表面测试的计算方法,然而,针对页岩样品在液氮温度下的氮气吸附数据,选取0.05~0.30间的相对压力点(适用于中孔材料)进行BET比表面计算时,将出现回归曲线相关系数较差、常数C为负值(无物理意义)情况,这一问题往往被测试者忽视。通过页岩的二氧化碳吸附数据运用DFT模型,计算出页岩的微孔分布可知,页岩含有大量0.5~1.0 nm之间的微孔,页岩纳米级孔隙分布范围广的特点是出现上述问题的根本原因,即页岩并非孔径分布较窄的介孔材料。通过调整相对压力点的选取范围,在相对压力0.05~0.20下计算页岩比表面其相关系数能达到0.999 9以上,且在Y轴上产生正截距,该相对压力范围更为合理,计算出的BET比表面更为可靠。     

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation involves a cascade of signalling and adhesion events.

In addition to the antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR), T cells bear an array of 'accessory' molecules that can contribute to stable adhesion to the antigen-bearing cell and provide costimulatory signals. For several of these, T-cell adhesion to the ligand can be activated by TCR-dependent signalling (a signal from the TCR primes the coreceptor to bind to its ligand). It is unclear whether the individual coreceptors share common mechanisms of priming and cosignalling, and perhaps act in a redundant manner, or whether they act in a distinct way and contribute uniquely to the activation process. We report here the use of isolated alloantigen, class I proteins and fibronectin ligands to show that coreceptors on cytotoxic T lymphocytes are activated sequentially and deliver distinct biochemical signals on binding to their ligands. TCR engagement activates CD8 by a protein tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway, and CD8 then acts as a signal for initiation of polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis on binding to class I. In contrast, activated adhesion to fibronectin does not initiate polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis, but amplifies hydrolysis once it has been initiated. Thus, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activation involves a TCR-initiated cascade of adhesion and signalling events leading to response.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of Sox genes in a tetraploid cyprinid fish, Tor douronensis

A PCR survey for Sox genes in a young tetraploid fish Tor douronensis （Teleostei： Cyprinidae） was performed to access the evolutionary fates of important functional genes after genome duplication caused by polyploldizatlon event. Totally 13 Soxgenes were obtained in Tordouronensis, which represent SoxB, SoxC and SoxE groups. PhylogeneUc analysis of Sox genes in Tor douronensis provided evidence for fish-specific genome duplication, and suggested that Sox19 might be a teleost specific Sox gene member. Sequence analysis revealed most of the nucleoUde substitutions between duplicated copies of Soxgenes caused by tetreploldlzatlon event or their orthologues in other species are silent substitutions. It would appear that the sequences are under purifying selective pressure, strongly suggesting that they represent functional genes and supporting selection against all null allele at either of two duplicated loci of Sox4a, Sox9a and Sox9b. Surprising variations of the intron length and similarities of two duplicated copies of Soxga and Sox9b, suggest that Tor douronensis might be an allotetreploidy.     

Cloning and sequence analysis of Sox genes in a tetraploid cyprinid fish,Tor douronensis

A PCR survey for Sox genes in a young tetraploid fish Tor douronensis (Teleostei:Cyprinidae) was per-formed to access the evolutionary fates of important functional genes after genome duplication caused by polyploidization event. Totally 13 Sox genes were obtained in Tor douronensis,which represent SoxB,SoxC and SoxE groups. Phylogenetic analysis of Sox genes in Tor douronensis provided evidence for fish-specific genome duplication,and suggested that Sox19 might be a teleost specific Sox gene member. Sequence analysis revealed most of the nucleotide substitutions between duplicated copies of Sox genes caused by tetraploidization event or their orthologues in other species are silent substitutions. It would appear that the sequences are under purifying selective pressure,strongly suggesting that they repre-sent functional genes and supporting selection against all null allele at either of two duplicated loci of Sox4a,Sox9a and Sox9b. Surprising variations of the intron length and similarities of two duplicated copies of Sox9a and Sox9b,suggest that Tor douronensis might be an allotetraploidy.     

一种高稳定性的SF6气体在线监测系统的设计与实现

采用双SF6传感器和负高压自适应技术对传统的负电晕放电监测SF6泄露的技术进行改进,应用多种传感器的数据融合技术产生报警信息,有效地提高了SF6传感器的使用寿命,解决了误报警率高的问题.测试表明,该系统满足了高压变电站对开关室内环境状态的在线实时监控的需求.