Direct ligand-receptor complex interaction controls Brassica self-incompatibility

Many higher plants have evolved self-incompatibility mechanisms to prevent self-fertilization. In Brassica self-incompatibility, recognition between pollen and the stigma is controlled by the S locus, which contains three highly polymorphic genes: S-receptor kinase (SRK), S-locus protein 11 (SP11) (also called S-locus cysteine-rich protein; SCR) and S-locus glycoprotein (SLG). SRK encodes a membrane-spanning serine/threonine kinase that determines the S-haplotype specificity of the stigma, and SP11 encodes a small cysteine-rich protein that determines the S-haplotype specificity of pollen. SP11 is localized in the pollen coat. It is thought that, during self-pollination, SP11 is secreted from the pollen coat and interacts with its cognate SRK in the papilla cell of the stigma to elicit the self-incompatibility response. SLG is a secreted stigma protein that is highly homologous to the SRK extracellular domain. Although it is not required for S-haplotype specificity of the stigma, SLG enhances the self-incompatibility response; however, how this is accomplished remains controversial. Here we show that a single form of SP11 of the S8 haplotype (S8-SP11) stabilized with four intramolecular disulphide bonds specifically binds the stigma membrane of the S8 haplotype to induce autophosphorylation of SRK8, and that SRK8 and SLG8 together form a high-affinity receptor complex for S8-SP11 on the stigma membrane.     

The S-locus receptor kinase is inhibited by thioredoxins and activated by pollen coat proteins

The self-incompatibility response in Brassica allows recognition and rejection of self-pollen by the stigmatic papillae. The transmembrane S-locus receptor kinase (SRK), a member of the receptor-like kinase superfamily in plants, mediates recognition of self-pollen on the female side, whereas the S-locus cysteine-rich protein (SCR) is the male component of the self-incompatibility response. SCR is presumably located in the pollen coat, and is thought to be the SRK ligand. Although many receptor-like kinases have been isolated in plants, the mechanisms of signal transduction mediated by these molecules remain largely unknown. Here we show that SRK is phosphorylated in vivo within one hour of self-pollination. We also show that, in vitro, autophosphorylation of SRK is prevented by the stigma thioredoxin THL1 in the absence of a ligand. This inhibition is released in a haplotype-specific manner by the addition of pollen coat proteins. Our data indicate that SRK is inhibited by thioredoxins and activated by pollen coat proteins.     

Identification of the pollen determinant of S-RNase-mediated self-incompatibility

Many flowering plants have adopted self-incompatibility mechanisms to prevent inbreeding and promote out-crosses. In the Solanaceae, Rosaceae and Scrophulariaceae, two separate genes at the highly polymorphic S-locus control self-incompatibility interactions: the S-RNase gene encodes the pistil determinant and the previously unidentified S-gene encodes the pollen determinant. S-RNases interact with pollen S-allele products to inhibit the growth of self-pollen tubes in the style. Pollen-expressed F-box genes showing allelic sequence polymorphism have recently been identified near to the S-RNase gene in members of the Rosaceae and Scrophulariaceae; but until now have not been directly shown to encode the pollen determinant. Here we report the identification and characterization of PiSLF, an S-locus F-box gene of Petunia inflata (Solanaceae). We show that transformation of S1S1, S1S2 and S2S3 plants with the S2-allele of PiSLF causes breakdown of their pollen function in self-incompatibility. This breakdown of pollen function is consistent with 'competitive interaction', in which pollen carrying two different pollen S-alleles fails to function in self-incompatibility. We conclude that PiSLF encodes the pollen self-incompatibility determinant.     

Relationship of a putative receptor protein kinase from maize to the S-locus glycoproteins of Brassica

The protein kinase family of enzymes mediates the responses of eukaryotic cells to both inter- and intracellular signals. These enzymes are either serine/threonine-specific or tyrosine-specific. Many of the latter are transmembrane receptors and are important in transduction of extracellular signals across the plasma membrane, whereas few examples of receptor serine kinases have been reported. We have now identified a complementary DNA clone from Zea mays (L.) encoding a putative serine/threonine-specific protein kinase structurally related to the receptor tyrosine kinases. This structural similarity is evidence for a previously undescribed class of transmembrane receptor in higher plants likely to be involved in signal reception and transduction. Furthermore, the catalytic domain of this protein kinase is linked through a transmembrane domain to an extracellular domain similar to that of glycoproteins encoded in the self-incompatibility locus of Brassica which are involved in the self-recognition system between pollen and stigma.     

Expression of self-incompatibility ribonucleases of Antirrhinum in Escherichia coli

Self-incompatibility is an intraspecific reproductive barrier to prevent self-fertilization in the flowering plants.In many species,self-incompatibility is controlled by a single S locus with multiple alleles.So far,the only gene known in the S locus of the Solanaceae,Scrophulariaceae and Rosaceae encodes a class of ribonucleases,called self-incompatibility ribonucleases (S RNases),which have been shown to mediate stylar expression of self-incompatible reaction.As the first step to investigate their three-dimensional structure,we successfully expressed three biologically active S RNases of Antirrihnum (S2,S4 and S5) in Escherichia coli (E.coli).Their functional expressions caused no detrimental effect on host bacteria growth and provided a basis for a large scale preparation of S RNase proteins.Possible reasons for non-lethality of S RNases on E.coli are discussed.     

Self-incompatibility in Papaver targets soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases in pollen

In higher plants, sexual reproduction involves interactions between pollen and pistil. A key mechanism to prevent inbreeding is self-incompatibility through rejection of incompatible ('self') pollen. In Papaver rhoeas, S proteins encoded by the stigma interact with incompatible pollen, triggering a Ca2+-dependent signalling network resulting in pollen tube inhibition and programmed cell death. The cytosolic phosphoprotein p26.1, which has been identified in incompatible pollen, shows rapid, self-incompatibility-induced Ca2+-dependent hyperphosphorylation in vivo. Here we show that p26.1 comprises two proteins, Pr-p26.1a and Pr-p26.1b, which are soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases (sPPases). These proteins have classic Mg2+-dependent sPPase activity, which is inhibited by Ca2+, and unexpectedly can be phosphorylated in vitro. We show that phosphorylation inhibits sPPase activity, establishing a previously unknown mechanism for regulating eukaryotic sPPases. Reduced sPPase activity is predicted to result in the inhibition of many biosynthetic pathways, suggesting that there may be additional mechanisms of self-incompatibility-mediated pollen tube inhibition. We provide evidence that sPPases are required for growth and that self-incompatibility results in an increase in inorganic pyrophosphate, implying a functional role for Pr-p26.1.     

Expression of self-incompatibility ribonucleases of Antirrhinum inEscherichia coli

Self-incompatibility is an intraspecific reproductive barrier to prevent self-fertilization in the flowering plants. In many species, self-incompatibility is controlled by a single S locus with multiple alleles. So far, the only gene known in theS locus of the Solanaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Rosaceae encodes a class of ribonucleases, called self-incompatibility ribonucleases (S RNases), which have been shown to mediate stylar expression of self-incompatible reaction. As the first step to investigate their three-dimensional structure, we successfully expressed three biologically active S RNases of Antirrihnum (S ₂,S ₄ andS ₅) inEscherichia coli (E. coli). Their functional expressions caused no detrimental effect on host bacteria growth and provided a basis for a large scale preparation of S RNase proteins. Possible reasons for non-lethality of S RNases onE. coli are discussed.     

S-RNase uptake by compatible pollen tubes in gametophytic self-incompatibility

Many flowering plants avoid inbreeding through a genetic mechanism termed self-incompatibility. An extremely polymorphic S-locus controls the gametophytic self-incompatibility system that causes pollen rejection (that is, active arrest of pollen tube growth inside the style) when an S-allele carried by haploid pollen matches one of the S-alleles present in the diploid style. The only known product of the S-locus is an S-RNase expressed in the mature style. The pollen component to this cell-cell recognition system is unknown and current models propose that it either acts as a gatekeeper allowing only its cognate S-RNase to enter the pollen tube, or as an inhibitor of non-cognate S-RNases. In the latter case, all S-RNases are presumed to enter pollen tubes; thus, the two models make diametrically opposed predictions concerning the entry of S-RNases into compatible pollen. Here we use immunocytochemical labelling of pollen tubes growing in styles to show accumulation of an S-RNase in the cytoplasm of all pollen-tube haplotypes, thus providing experimental support for the inhibitor model.     

白菜型油菜自交不亲和性状的遗传分析

以青海大黄、青油241和黄籽沙逊为亲本材料,配制成2个杂交组合的各6个世代群体,即P1、P2、F1、F2、B1、B2,研究了白菜型油菜自交不亲和性状的遗传特点。结果表明:白菜型油菜不仅品种间自交亲和指数差异显著,同一品种内自交亲和指数变异幅度也较大,自交亲和品种中存在不亲和株,自交不亲和品种中存在高亲和株;自交不亲和性状和自交亲和性状受1对等位基因控制,自交不亲和为显性性状,自交亲和为隐性性状,青海大黄和黄籽沙逊均为隐性纯合体(SCSC)。     

A highly polymorphic locus very tightly linked to the Huntington's disease gene

The genetic defect in Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown etiology, has not been defined. The discovery of linkage between HD and the DNA marker D4S10(G8) raised the possibility of isolating the disease gene on the basis of its chromosomal location, in addition to providing a limited presymptomatic test for the late onset disorder. But it has been difficult to isolate other DNA markers nearer to the HD gene, and this has hampered attempts to identify the disease locus and limited the applicability and accuracy of predictive testing. Recently, several new DNA markers from the region of the genome near the HD gene have been isolated using a directed cloning strategy. We describe here the characterization of one of these new markers, D4S95, a highly polymorphic locus which displays no recombination with the HD gene in the families tested. The high degree of polymorphism at this locus and its proximity to the HD gene make it extremely useful for predictive testing and as a new starting point for attempts to clone the disease gene.     

Self-incompatibility triggers programmed cell death in Papaver pollen

Sexual reproduction in many angiosperm plants involves self-incompatibility (SI), which is one of the most important mechanisms to prevent inbreeding. SI is genetically controlled by the S-locus, and involves highly specific interactions during pollination between pollen and the pistil on which it lands. This results in the rejection of incompatible ('self') pollen, whereas compatible ('non-self') pollen is allowed to fertilize the plant. In Papaver rhoeas, S-proteins encoded by the stigma component of the S-locus interact with incompatible pollen, triggering a Ca2+-dependent signalling network, resulting in the inhibition of pollen-tube growth. Programmed cell death (PCD) is a mechanism used by many organisms to destroy unwanted cells in a precisely regulated manner. Here we show that PCD is triggered by SI in an S-specific manner in incompatible pollen. This provides a demonstration of a SI system using PCD, revealing a novel mechanism to prevent self-fertilization. Furthermore, our data reveal that the response is biphasic; rapid inhibition of pollen-tube growth is followed by PCD, which is involved in a later 'decision-making' phase, making inhibition irreversible.     

转EPSPS基因抗草苷膦油菜基因漂移的初步研究

草苷膦是一种广谱内吸传导型除草剂[1].草苷膦通过竞争性抑制植物莽草酸代谢过程中磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸莽草酸-3-磷酸合酶(简称为EPSPS)活性,阻断芳香族氨基酸的生物合成导致植物死亡[2].因此,转EPSPS基因(来自微生物的基因)作物对草苷膦类型的除草剂具有抗性.在1996~2004年的9年间,抗除草剂生物技术产品一直占市场的主导地位.2004年,全球种植的抗除草剂的转基因作物有油菜、大豆、玉米及棉花等,种植面积共计有5,860万公顷,占全球转基因作物总种植面积(8,100万公顷)的72%.抗除草剂油菜品种在国外已广泛种植,据国际农业生物技术应用服务组…     

表达雪花莲外源凝集素基因的油菜转基因植株的获得

利用农杆菌素LBA4404（pCAMBIA3300RG)转化优良甘蓝型油菜恢复系W723的下胚轴节段.pCAM-BIA3300RG含有Rssl启动子引导的雪花莲外源凝集素基因（gna）和CaMV-35S启动子引导的除草剂抗性基因（bar）。经过两轮除草剂（2.5mg/L bialaphos）筛选（两周/轮）,除草剂抗性再生芽被传入生根培养基中生根,对根系旺盛生长的植株中所含gna基因进行PCR分析,PCR分析证实了这些植株确为转基因植株,利用Western印迹法对随机选择的5株含gna基因的转基因植株的分析发现,其中4株表达了gna基因。目前正对这些表达gna基因的转基因植株进行后代遗传分离分析。     

Isolation and characterization of a protochordate histocompatibility locus

Histocompatibility--the ability of an organism to distinguish its own cells and tissue from those of another--is a universal phenomenon in the Metazoa. In vertebrates, histocompatibility is a function of the immune system controlled by a highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which encodes proteins that target foreign molecules for immune cell recognition. The association of the MHC and immune function suggests an evolutionary relationship between metazoan histocompatibility and the origins of vertebrate immunity. However, the MHC of vertebrates is the only functionally characterized histocompatibility system; the mechanisms underlying this process in non-vertebrates are unknown. A primitive chordate, the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, also undergoes a histocompatibility reaction controlled by a highly polymorphic locus. Here we describe the isolation of a candidate gene encoding an immunoglobulin superfamily member that, by itself, predicts the outcome of histocompatibility reactions. This is the first non-vertebrate histocompatibility gene described, and may provide insights into the evolution of vertebrate adaptive immunity.     

甘蓝-白芥单体异附加系自交后代的GISH分析

将甘蓝-白芥单体异附加系自交,获得了其自交后代.利用基因组原位杂交(genomicin situhy-bridization,GISH),结合双色荧光原位杂交(dual-colour fluorescencein situhybridization,dcFISH)技术,从这些自交后代中鉴定出了纯合的甘蓝-白芥二体异附加系植株.GISH分析结果表明,甘蓝-白芥二体异附加系有丝分裂中期具有18条甘蓝染色体及2条白芥染色体,减数分裂中期I表现为9个C染色体二价体及1个S染色体二价体,减数分裂后期I会出现落后的1对S染色体,有时落后的1对S染色体形成染色体桥.     

水稻光温敏雄性不育基因连锁标记的分离与鉴定

两系法杂交稻是一种利用水稻杂种优势的重要途径，主要依据水稻光温敏雄性不育系在不同条件下的育性转换用于配制杂交种．以培矮64S(PTGMS)与明恢63杂种自交的F2代为供试材料，采用随机放大多态性DNA(RAPD)技术分离与培矮64S的PTGMS基因连锁的分子标记．在F2代2个分别代表可育和不育的群体以及亲本株系中，采用100个RAPD引物扩放基因组DNA筛选多态性DNA片段．RAPD引物S8产生的DNA片段中，除重复顺序外，有一个长度为0．85kb片段为单拷贝．分子杂交表明，这一单拷贝标记与培矮64S的PTGMS基因连锁．     

Assessment on alien herbicide-resistant gene flow among crucifers by sexual compatibility

Cross-pollination and high cross-compatibility are frequently found in many cruciferous plants, which implies that there might be potential risk of alien gene flow among crucifers. In this work, the alien glyphosate-resistant gene flow between GM （Genetically modified） rapeseed variety Q3 （Brassica napus） and 6 varieties from 5 cruciferous species was assessed by sexual compatibility through aniline blue fluorescence observation, manual cross, mentor pollination with the mixture pollen and DNA identification. The results indicated that the compatibility indices of two B. napus varieties, B. juncea vat. multiceps Tsen et Lee and Chinese cabbage （B. chinensis） （as female） with Q3 （as male） were 16.15, 12.77, 2.345 and 0.85, respectively. FI plants were examined by PCR and all of these samples were confirmed as positive. Crossing between Orychophragmus violaceus, Descurainia sophia （as female） and Q3 （as male） expressed high cross-incompatibility. Fluorescence microscope observation indicated that growing of pollen tube terminated at the upper 1/3 part of the style of O. violaceus and on the stigma surface of D. sophia. The mentor plants were further analyzed by PCR and all were shown to be negative. Under the neighboring growth and natural pollination conditions, the rates of gene flow to two B. napus varieties were 2.3278% and 2.1487%, respectively, B. juncea var. multiceps Tsen et Lee and Chinese cabbage were 1.0157% and 0.9236%, respectively. No gene flow was observed in O. violaceus and D. sophia. Frequency of gene flow was highly correlated with sexual compatibility. Due to possible alien gene flow among crucifers, special consideration and care should be taken to grow GM rapeseed.     

Polymorphism of human Ia antigens: gene conversion between two DR beta loci results in a new HLA-D/DR specificity

The polymorphic HLA-DR beta-chains are encoded within the human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by multiple loci resulting from gene duplications. Certain DR haplotypes can be grouped into families based on shared structural factors. We have studied the molecular basis of HLA-DR polymorphism within such a group which includes the haplotypes DR3, DR5 and DRw6. Molecular mapping of the DR beta-chain region allows true allelic comparisons of the two expressed DR beta-chain loci, DR beta I and DR beta III. At the more polymorphic locus, DR beta I, the allelic differences are clustered and may result from gene conversion events over very short distances. The gene encoding the HLA-DR3/Dw3 specificity has been generated by a gene conversion involving the DR beta I and the DR beta III loci of the HLA-DRw6/Dw18 haplotype, as recipient and donor gene, respectively. Based on which allele is found at DR beta III, the less polymorphic locus, two groups of haplotypes can be defined: DRw52a and DRw52b. The generation of HLA-DR polymorphism within the DRw52 supertypic group can thus be accounted for by a succession of gene duplication, divergence and gene conversion.     

农杆菌介导外源基因进入油菜的研究

用甘蓝型油菜子叶为外植体，以农杆菌共培养法将苏云金杆菌δ－内毒素基因和ＮＰＴＩ基因导入油菜．所用的农杆菌为ＬＢＡ４４０４－δ（ｄｉｓａｒｍｅｄｐＡＬ４４０４，ｐＧＡ６４３－δ）．ＰＧＡ６４３－δ为表达载体，其中克隆有ＮＰＴＩ基因和δ－内毒素基因．共培养４ｄ后，转化的子叶被转入含有卡那霉素（Ｋｍ）的分化培养基［１］上，分化出芽．被切下的芽在含有Ｋｍ的生根培养基［２］上生根，移栽后成活的小抗Ｋｍ油菜苗生长良好．用ＤＮＡ分子杂交、ＥＬＩＳＡ分析和生物测定等方法证明外源基因被转移到油菜中．     

Assignment of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A to chromosome 10 by linkage

Multiple endocrine neoplasis type 2A (MEN2A) is one of several kinds of cancers that appear to be inherited in an autosomally dominant fashion. We have assigned the MEN2A locus to chromosome 10 by linkage with a new DNA marker (D10S5). The linkage led us to investigate other chromosome 10 markers and demonstrate linkage between the disease locus and the interstitial retinol-binding protein (IRBP) gene. The D10S5 locus was sublocalized to 10q21.1 by hybridization in situ and the IRBP gene to p11.2----q11.2 with a secondary site at q24----q25. The linkages were established using 292 members of five families, three different restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) at D10S5 and two RFLPs recognized by the IRBP probe. The recombination frequencies from pairwise linkage analysis between the disease and two marker loci D10S5 and IRBP were 0.19 and 0.11, with maximum lod scores of 3.6 and 8.0 respectively. Ordering of the three loci by multipoint analysis placed the IRBP gene approximately midway between the disease and D10S5 loci.