Genetic structuring at a fine scale in the russet-crowned motmot ( Momotus mexicanus ) in a tropical dry forest in central Mexico

Because of their high dispersal abilities, birds are expected to manifest marked genetic structuring only at relatively large geographic scales. However, it is not well known how factors like nest site fidelity in a largely resident species could limit gene flow and increase genetic structuring in birds. In this study we use RAPD markers to estimate genetic structuring in a strongly sedentary species of the American tropics, the Russet crowned Motmot ( Momotus mexicanus ), within a tropical dry forest in central Mexico. Genetic structuring was assessed among 3 populations separated by a mean distance of only 25 km. We report that 12.9% of the total genetic variation is explained by differences among sites, which is quite high for a bird at this geographic scale. We propose that high nest site fidelity, brought on by a scarcity of suitable nest substrates, may be responsible for high genetic structuring in this species.     

Transcriptome analysis of the acoelomate human parasite Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosoma mansoni is the primary causative agent of schistosomiasis, which affects 200 million individuals in 74 countries. We generated 163,000 expressed-sequence tags (ESTs) from normalized cDNA libraries from six selected developmental stages of the parasite, resulting in 31,000 assembled sequences and 92% sampling of an estimated 14,000 gene complement. By analyzing automated Gene Ontology assignments, we provide a detailed view of important S. mansoni biological systems, including characterization of metazoa-specific and eukarya-conserved genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests an early divergence from other metazoa. The data set provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of tissue organization, development, signaling, sexual dimorphism, host interactions and immune evasion and identifies novel proteins to be investigated as vaccine candidates and potential drug targets.     

Synopsis of the genus Pseudoperma Dillon and Dillon, 1946 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), with description of a new species

A synopsis of Pseudoperma is provided. This genus mainly differs from Onocephala and Stethoperma by the antennal tubercles well separated; antennae relatively short, in the female subequal to the body length; and scape and third antennomere subequal in length. Pseudoperma includes two species, P. chalcogramma (Bates, 1887) and P. patruelis (Breuning, 1940), both from Brazil; herein we describe one new species, Pseudoperma lingafelteri sp. nov. from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). This species differs from its congeners mainly in having the frons and occiput covered with greyish pubescence, and the sides of the elytra with several interrupted or coalescent vittae. We provide new distribution data for Pseudoperma patruelis (Breuning, 1940) from Brazil, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Santa Catarina, as well as illustrations and a key to the species of Pseudoperma.

http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FFD274A3-3AA8-457E-A54C-4CA5AB0340AB     

EYS, encoding an ortholog of Drosophila spacemaker, is mutated in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa

Using a positional cloning approach supported by comparative genomics, we have identified a previously unreported gene, EYS, at the RP25 locus on chromosome 6q12 commonly mutated in autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa. Spanning over 2 Mb, this is the largest eye-specific gene identified so far. EYS is independently disrupted in four other mammalian lineages, including that of rodents, but is well conserved from Drosophila to man and is likely to have a role in the modeling of retinal architecture.     

Cell surface antigen profiling using a novel type of antibody array immobilised to plasma ion-implanted polycarbonate

To identify and sort out subpopulations of cells from more complex and heterogeneous assemblies of cells is important for many biomedical applications, and the development of cost- and labour-efficient techniques to accomplish this is warranted. In this report, we have developed a novel array-based platform to discriminate cellular populations based on differences in cell surface antigen expressions. These cell capture microarrays were produced through covalent immobilisation of CD antibodies to plasma ion immersion implantation-treated polycarbonate (PIII-PC), which offers the advantage of a transparent matrix, allowing direct light microscopy visualisation of captured cells. The functionality of the PIII-PC array was validated using several cell types, resulting in unique surface antigen expression profiles. PIII-PC results were compatible with flow cytometry, nitrocellulose cell capture arrays and immunofluorescent staining, indicating that the technique is robust. We report on the use of this PIII-PC cluster of differentiation (CD) antibody array to gain new insights into neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and into the consequences of genetic targeting of the Notch signalling pathway, a key signalling mechanism for most cellular differentiation processes. Specifically, we identify CD98 as a novel marker for neural precursors and polarised expression of CD9 in the apical domain of ES cell-derived neural rosettes. We further identify expression of CD9 in hitherto uncharacterised non-neural cells and enrichment of CD49e- and CD117-positive cells in Notch signalling-deficient ES cell differentiations. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that covalent immobilisation of antibody arrays to the PIII-PC surface provides faithful cell surface antigen data in a cost- and labour-efficient manner. This may be used to facilitate high throughput identification and standardisation of more precise marker profiles during stem cell differentiation and in various genetic and disease contexts.     

Homograft response and lymphocyte level in thymectomized and/or bursectomized ducks

Zusammenfassung Der Einfluss der Exstirpation von Bursa fabr. und Thymus junger Enten wurde zur Erklärung der Bedeutung dieser Organe für die Entwicklung der immunologischen Reaktivität untersucht.