The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Kashgarian loach (Triplophysa yarkandensis) from Bosten Lake.

Triplophysa yarkandensis is a specific cobitidae species that is endemic to Xinjiang Tarim River basin, China. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of T. yarkandensis from Bosten Lake was determined in this study (Accession number MN821008). The mitogenome (16,552 bp) consists of 22 tRNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 13 protein-coding genes, and 1 control region (D-loop region). The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the T. yarkandensis provides an important data set for further study in genetic mechanism and classification.

The complete mitochondrial DNA sequence of Yimeng black goat (Capra hircus) and its potential application in mutton discrimination.

Yimeng black goat is one of the national breeds of geographical indication in China and is one of the key protected local livestock and poultry breeds of Shandong province. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Yimeng black goat was investigated in this study (GenBank accession no. MT134111). The mitogenome (16,640 bp) consisted of a non-coding control region (D-loop region), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence and the neighbour-joining tree of the Yimeng black goat would contribute to further study in genetic mechanism and phylogenomic research of goats.

[Advances in plant metallothionein and its heavy metal detoxification mechanisms].

Metallothioneins, which widely distribute in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, are a class of cystein-rich and heavy metal-binding proteins with low molecular weights. Many genes encoding plant metallothioneins have been cloned in the past years. There is certain progress on the expression patterns, tissue specificities and structures of these genes such as the loci of promoters and introns in chromosomes, however, their exact functions remain unknown. The expressions of many plant metallothionein genes under environmental stresses suggested that they may function in both metal chaperoning and scavenging of reactive oxygen species with their large number of cysteine residues to protect plants from oxidative damage. The classification, characteristics, gene structure of plant metallothioneins, and recent advances in heavy metal detoxification are summarized in detail.