Whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation reduces Escherichia and improves intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected immunological nonresponders.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have persistent malnutrition, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbial imbalance. The interplay between gut microbiota and nutrients is involved in the immune reconstitution of PLWH. To evaluate the effects of whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation on T-cell levels, intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) who failed to normalize CD4+ T-cell counts, with a number <350 cells/µL, a pilot study was carried out in 13 HIV-infected INRs undergoing antiretroviral therapy who received a 3-month phase supplementation of 200 mL/200 kcal/45 g whole-protein enteral nutrition formula once daily. Our primary endpoint was increased CD4+ T-cell counts. Secondary outcome parameters were changes in intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition. We showed that CD4+ T-cell counts of HIV-infected INRs increased significantly after the 3-month supplementation. Dietary supplementation for 3 months improved the intestinal barrier function and nutritional status of HIV-infected INRs. Furthermore, the enteral nutrition formula significantly decreased the relative abundance of Escherichia at the genus level and increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in HIV-infected INRs. The findings demonstrated that the whole-protein enteral nutrition formula aids in reducing Escherichia and improving intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected INRs. This study provides insight into the role of nutrients in the improvement of immune reconstitution in HIV-infected INRs. This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Document No. ChiCTR2000037839; http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

The Ethanolic Extract of Lycium ruthenicum Ameliorates Age-Related Physiological Damage in Mice.

Aging and age-related diseases are important study topics due to their associations with progressive physiological damage to genes, cells, tissues, and the entire organism, which ultimately affects the functional efficiency of organs. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is a functional food that is known for its high contents of anthocyanins and spermidines, both of which have been demonstrated to have positive effects on anti-aging activity and anti-oxidation. In this study, we used HPLC-MS to analyze the constituents of L. ruthenicum Murr. Extract (LRM) and investigated their potential mechanism for exerting antioxidative effects in D-galactose (D-Gal) aging model mice. LRM (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) improved cognitive function in D-Gal-treated mice, as shown by reduced escape latencies and increased platform crossings in behavioral tests. We measured the contents of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the enzyme activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice serum and brain after 6 weeks of D-Gal treatment. LRM decreased the contents of LPO and MDA and increased the enzyme activities of SOD and GSH-Px, indicating the protection effect of LRM against D-Gal-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LRM can inhibit oxidative stress in cells by reducing intracellular ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby inhibiting paraquat (PQ)-induced cellular senescence and delaying cell aging. Therefore, LRM has the potential to be a healthcare product for the treatment of age-related diseases.

Three new lanostane-type triterpenes from the epidermis of Wolfiporia cocos.

Wolfiporia cocos is commonly used as a traditional Chinese medicine for its diuretic, tonifying, and invigorating effects on the spleen. However, the epidermis of W. cocos is discarded as scrap during harvesting because of its low price, resulting in a great waste of resources and environmental pollution. In this work, the epidermis of W. cocos was studied and three new lanostane triterpenoids were isolated. The structures were determined using NMR and HRESIMS, with absolute configurations established by comparison of the calculated and experimental ECD spectra. The three new compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. None of the tested compounds showed inhibition against these three strains of indicator microbes at a concentration of 128 µg/ml. This study provides a reference for further medicinal development and the utilization of the epidermis of W. cocos.

Metagenomic Analysis of in Vitro Ruminal Fermentation Reveals the Role of the Copresent Microbiome in Plant Biomass Degradation.

In vitro ruminal fermentation is considered an efficient way to degrade crop residue. To better understand the microbial communities and their functions during in vitro ruminal fermentation, the microbiome and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production were investigated using the metagenomic sequencing and rumen simulation technique (RUSITEC) system. A total of 1677 metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were reconstructed, and 298 MAGs were found copresenting in metagenomic data of the current work and 58 previously ruminal representative samples. Additionally, the domains related to pectin and xylan degradation were overrepresented in the copresent MAGs compared with total MAGs. Among the copresent MAGs, we obtained 14 MAGs with SCFA-synthesis-related genes positively correlated with SCFA concentrations. The MAGs obtained from this study enable a better understanding of dominant microbial communities across in vivo and in vitro ruminal fermentation and show promise for pointing out directions for further research on in vitro ruminal fermentation.

Isolation, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl. against gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Isoquinoline alkaloid displays significant anti-gastric cancer effects due to its unique structure, which is attracting more and more attention for the development of anti-gastric cancer drugs. In this study, we explore the active components against gastric cancer from the Tibetan Medicine Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl, which is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. 14 compounds including 2 previously undescribed natural products were obtained. Interestingly, an new active compound displays potent anti-gastric cancer activity. After accomplishing the total syntheses of the active compound and its derivatives, the anti-gastric cancer activity of the active compound was further investigated. In vitro experiments revealed that the active compound significantly attenuated the proliferative capacity, caused G2/M phase arrest, inhibited the cell migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, the active compound could increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, elevate cytochrome c in the cytosol, and activate caspase-9/3, along with inactivating the upstream PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In addition, the active compound could also cause gastric cancer cell death by inhibiting topoisomerase I activity. More importantly, the anti-gastric cancer activity of the active compound was confirmed in MGC-803 xenograft nude mice in vivo. This work not only promotes the exploitation of Corydalis hendersonii Hemsl., but also provides some experience for discovering new entities from natural sources.

Design, synthesis and bioactivity evaluation of novel evodiamine derivatives with excellent potency against gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer represents a significant health burden worldwide. Previously, inspired by the traditional Chinese medicine Wu-Chu-Yu to treat the spleen and stomach system for thousands of years, we identified N14-phenyl substituted evodiamine derivatives as potential antitumor agents with favorable inhibition on Top1. Herein, structural optimization and structure-activity relationship studies (SARs) led us to discovering a highly active evodiamine derivative compound 6t against gastric cancer. Further anti-tumor mechanism studies revealed that compound 6t played as the inhibition of topoisomerase 1 (Top1), effectively induced apoptosis, obviously arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the compound 6t was low toxicity in vivo and exhibited excellent anti-tumor activity (TGI = 70.12%) in the MGC-803 xenograft models. In summary, compound 6t represents a promising candidate as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against gastric cancer.

Association of Genetic Variants of Klotho with BP Responses to Dietary Sodium or Potassium Intervention and Long-Term BP Progression.

OBJECTIVES: Klotho (KL) plays pivotal roles in the progression of salt-sensitive hypertension. Salt-sensitive hypertension was associated with KL genotypes. We aimed to explore the association of common genetic variants of KL with individual blood pressure (BP) responses to sodium and potassium through a dietary intervention study as well as long-term BP progression. METHODS: We conducted family-based dietary interventions among 344 participants from 126 families in rural villages of northern China in 2004. Subjects sequentially underwent a baseline diet, a low-salt diet (51.3 mmol/day Na), a high-salt diet (307.8 mmol/day Na), and a high-salt + potassium supplementation diet (307.8 mmol/day Na + 60 mmol/day K). After dietary intervention, we followed up with these participants in 2009 and 2012. The associations between 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of KL and phenotypes were analyzed through a linear mixed-effects model. RESULTS: SNPs rs211247 and rs1207568 were positively correlated with the BP response to high-salt diet in the dominant model after adjusting for confounders (ß = 1.670 and 2.163, p = 0.032 and 0.005, respectively). BPs rs526906 and rs525014 were in a haplotype block. Block rs526906-rs525014 was positively correlated with diastolic BP response to potassium and potassium sensitivity in the additive model (ß = 0.845, p = 0.032). In addition, regression analysis indicated that rs211247 was associated with long-term systolic BP alterations after 8 years of follow-up in the recessive model (ß = 20.47, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Common variants of the KL gene might modify individual BP sensitivity to sodium or potassium and influence the long-term progression of BP, suggesting a potential role in the development of salt-sensitive hypertension. Thus, KL may be a new early intervention target for salt-sensitive hypertension.

Mapping QTLs for 1000-grain weight and genes controlling hull type using SNP marker in Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum).

BACKGROUND: Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), an important pseudocereal crop, has high economic value due to its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, dehulling of Tartary buckwheat is difficult owing to its thick and tough hull, which has greatly limited the development of the Tartary buckwheat processing industry. The construction of high-resolution genetic maps serves as a basis for identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and qualitative trait genes for agronomic traits. In this study, a recombinant inbred lines (XJ-RILs) population derived from a cross between the easily dehulled Rice-Tartary type and Tartary buckwheat type was genotyped using restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to construct a high-density SNP genetic map. Furthermore, QTLs for 1000-grain weight (TGW) and genes controlling hull type were mapped in multiple environments. RESULTS: In total, 4151 bin markers comprising 122,185 SNPs were used to construct the genetic linkage map. The map consisted of 8 linkage groups and covered 1444.15 cM, with an average distance of 0.35 cM between adjacent bin markers. Nine QTLs for TGW were detected and distributed on four loci on chromosome 1 and 4. A major locus detected in all three trials was mapped in 38.2-39.8 cM region on chromosome 1, with an LOD score of 18.1-37.0, and explained for 23.6-47.5% of the phenotypic variation. The genes controlling hull type were mapped to chromosome 1 between marker Block330 and Block331, which was closely followed by the major locus for TGW. The expression levels of the seven candidate genes controlling hull type present in the region between Block330 and Block336 was low during grain development, and no significant difference was observed between the parental lines. Six non-synonymous coding SNPs were found between the two parents in the region. CONCLUSIONS: We constructed a high-density SNP genetic map for the first time in Tartary buckwheat. The mapped major loci controlling TGW and hull type will be valuable for gene cloning and revealing the mechanism underlying grain development and easy dehulling, and marker-assisted selection in Tartary buckwheat.

Nelumbo genome database, an integrative resource for gene expression and variants of Nelumbo nucifera.

Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera, or lotus) is one of the most widely grown aquatic plant species with important uses, such as in water gardening and in vegetable and herbal medicine. A public genomic database of lotus would facilitate studies of lotus and other aquatic plant species. Here, we constructed an integrative database: the Nelumbo Genome Database (NGD, http://nelumbo.biocloud.net ). This database is a collection of the most updated lotus genome assembly and contains information on both gene expression in different tissues and coexpression networks. In the NGD, we also integrated genetic variants and key traits from our 62 newly sequenced lotus cultivars and 26 previously reported cultivars, which are valuable for lotus germplasm studies. As applications including BLAST, BLAT, Primer, Annotation Search, Variant and Trait Search are deployed, users can perform sequence analyses and gene searches via the NGD. Overall, the valuable genomic resources provided in the NGD will facilitate future studies on population genetics and molecular breeding of lotus.

Pre-Digested Protein Enteral Nutritional Supplementation Enhances Recovery of CD4+ T Cells and Repair of Intestinal Barrier in HIV-Infected Immunological Non-Responders.

AIDS patients with immune non-response are prone to malnutrition, intestinal barrier damage, thus aggravating chronic immune activation and inflammation. However, nutritional interventions targeting malnutrition may be beneficial to restore immune function, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce mortality remains largely unclear. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional supplement in HIV-infected immune non-responders (INRs). The subjects received oral supplementation of a pre-digested protein nutrition formula for three months. We show that the CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell counts were significantly increased after supplementation of the pre-digested enteral nutritional supplement. Among all pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum, only IL-1ß level was significantly decreased, while TNF-ß was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The levels of intestinal mucosal damage markers, diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactic acid (D-lactate), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), decreased significantly (P < 0.05) after the nutritional intervention. Moreover, at month 3 after the intervention, the body weight, body mass index, albumin, and hemoglobin of all subjects were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis demonstrated a significantly negative correlation of CD4+ T cell count with levels of DAO (r = -0.343, P = 0.004), D-lactate (r = -0.250, P = 0.037), respectively, and a significantly positive correlation of IL-1ß level with levels of DAO (r = 0.445, P < 0.001), D-lactate (r = 0.523, P < 0.001), and LPS (r = 0.622, P < 0.001). We conclude that the pre-digested enteral nutrition supplement is effective for HIV-infected INRs.

Comparative cellular, physiological and transcriptome analyses reveal the potential easy dehulling mechanism of rice-tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum Tararicum).

BACKGROUND: Tartary buckwheat has gained popularity in the food marketplace due to its abundant nutrients and high bioactive flavonoid content. However, its difficult dehulling process has severely restricted its food processing industry development. Rice-tartary buckwheat, a rare local variety, is very easily dehulled, but the cellular, physiological and molecular mechanisms responsible for this easy dehulling remains largely unclear. RESULTS: In this study, we integrated analyses of the comparative cellular, physiological, transcriptome, and gene coexpression network to insight into the reason that rice-tartary buckwheat is easy to dehull. Compared to normal tartary buckwheat, rice-tartary buckwheat has significantly brittler and thinner hull, and thinner cell wall in hull sclerenchyma cells. Furthermore, the cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contents of rice-tartary buckwheat hull were significantly lower than those in all or part of the tested normal tartary buckwheat cultivars, respectively, and the significant difference in cellulose and hemicellulose contents between rice-tartary buckwheat and normal tartary buckwheat began at 10 days after pollination (DAP). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified a total of 9250 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat hulls at four different development stages. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) of all DEGs identified a key module associated with the formation of the hull difference between rice- and normal-tartary buckwheat. In this specific module, many secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes, which involved in cellulose and hemicellulose biosynthesis, were identified as hub genes and displayed coexpression. These identified hub genes of SCW biosynthesis were significantly lower expression in rice-tartary buckwheat hull than in normal tartary buckwheat at the early hull development stages. Among them, the expression of 17 SCW biosynthesis relative-hub genes were further verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the lower expression of SCW biosynthesis regulatory and structural genes in rice-tartary buckwheat hull in the early development stages contributes to its easy dehulling by reducing the content of cell wall chemical components, which further effects the cell wall thickness of hull sclerenchyma cells, and hull thickness and mechanical strength.

Research on Textual Research and Methods of Chinese Herbs in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

As the essential part of tratidional Chinese medicine(TCM), the research and development of classic formula have become a hot spot in TCM industry. However, with the change of the age, the species, medical part and origin of TCM have more or less changed. It is of great significance for the safety and effectiveness of the classical prescription to clarify the varieties and medicinal parts of TCM. In this paper, based on the discussion of the methods of textual research on the Chinese herbs, the species and medical parts, origin of Chinese herbs in a list of 100 famous classical formulas which promulgated by the state administration of TCM were analyzed. The textual research of Chinese herbs shows that most of the herbs involved in the classical formula have the problems of species, medical part, and origin. Therefore, it is of great significance for the selection of the species and medical parts, origin of the Chinese herbs in the research and development process of the classical formula.

[Correlation between color of Scutellariae Radix pieces and content of five flavonoids after softening and cutting by different methods].

Scutellariae Radix is one of the commonly used heat-clearing and damp-drying drugs in clinical practice. Establishment of the quality evaluation system for Scutellariae Radix is of great significance to ensure safety and effectiveness of clinical drug use.Scutellariae Radix pieces were prepared under different processing conditions with 3 softening methods: boiling,atmospheric steaming and pressurized steaming. High performance liquid chromatography( HPLC) method was used to determine the content of five flavonoids in Scutellariae Radix,and L*,a*,b*values representing color chromaticity of Scutellariae Radix powder were measured by colorimeter,then total color value E*was calculated. Simple correlation and canonical correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between color of Scutellariae Radix powder and content of five flavonoids. The results showed that the contents of baicalin and wogonoside were significantly positively correlated with L*,b*and E*values,but negatively correlated with a*value. The contents of wogonin,apigenin,and melaleuca A were positively correlated with a*value,but negatively correlated with L*,b*,and E*values( P<0. 01). There was a significant negative correlation between the content of flavonoid glycosides and flavonoid aglycones( P<0. 01).All of these indicated that the color of Scutellariae Radix powder was significantly correlated with content of five flavonoids. The experiment results proved that when color difference between Huangqin pieces and medicinal materials was kept at ΔL*<6,Δb*<3,ΔE*<6,the total amount of the two glycosides in the pieces was about ±1. 5% of the medicinal materials; in this case,the total amount of the two glycosides was relatively high and stable,indicating that the color of Huangqin decoction pieces is a concrete manifestation of its intrinsic quality,and the chromaticity value detected by colorimeter can be used as a means to quickly evaluate the quality of Scutellariae Radix pieces. The results provide a new detection index for the characteristic quality evaluation system of Scutellariae Radix pieces.

Methylation of transcription factor YY2 regulates its transcriptional activity and cell proliferation.

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional DNA-binding transcription factor shown to be critical in a variety of biological processes, and its activity and function have been shown to be regulated by multitude of mechanisms, which include but are not limited to post-translational modifications (PTMs), its associated proteins and cellular localization. YY2, the paralog of YY1 in mouse and human, has been proposed to function redundantly or oppositely in a context-specific manner compared with YY1. Despite its functional importance, how YY2's DNA-binding activity and function are regulated, particularly by PTMs, remains completely unknown. Here we report the first PTM with functional characterization on YY2, namely lysine 247 monomethylation (K247me1), which was found to be dynamically regulated by SET7/9 and LSD1 both in vitro and in cultured cells. Functional study revealed that SET7/9-mediated YY2 methylation regulated its DNA-binding activity in vitro and in association with chromatin examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq) in cultured cells. Knockout of YY2, SET7/9 or LSD1 by CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats)/Cas9-mediated gene editing followed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that a subset of genes was positively regulated by YY2 and SET7/9, but negatively regulated by LSD1, which were enriched with genes involved in cell proliferation regulation. Importantly, YY2-regulated gene transcription, cell proliferation and tumor growth were dependent, at least partially, on YY2 K247 methylation. Finally, somatic mutations on YY2 found in cancer, which are in close proximity to K247, altered its methylation, DNA-binding activity and gene transcription it controls. Our findings revealed the first PTM with functional implications imposed on YY2 protein, and linked YY2 methylation with its biological functions.

Low genetic diversity and functional constraint of miRNA genes participating pollen-pistil interaction in rice.

KEY MESSAGE: In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the expression and evolution of rice miRNA genes participating pollen-pistil interaction that is crucial to rice yield. Pollen-pistil interaction is an essential reproductive process for all flowering plants. While microRNAs (miRNAs) are important noncoding small RNAs that regulate mRNA levels in eukaryotic cells, there is little knowledge about which miRNAs involved in the early stages of pollen-pistil interaction in rice and how they evolve under this conserved process. In this study, we sequenced the small RNAs in rice from unpollinated pistil (R0), pistil from 5 min and 15 min after pollination, respectively, to identify known and novel miRNAs that are involved in this process. By comparing the corresponding mRNA-seq dataset, we identified a group of miRNAs with strong negative expression pattern with their target genes. Further investigation of all miRNA loci (MIRNAs) across 1083 public rice accessions revealed significantly reduced genetic diversity in MIRNAs with strong negative expression of their targets when comparing to those with little or no impact on targets during pollen-pistil interaction. Annotation of targets suggested that those MIRNAs with strong impact on targets were pronounced in cell wall related processes such as xylan metabolism. Additionally, plant conserved miRNAs, such as those with functions in gibberellic acid, auxin and nitrate signaling, were also with strong negative expression of their targets. Overall, our analyses identified key miRNAs participating pollen-pistil interaction and their evolutionary patterns in rice, which can facilitate the understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with seed setting.

The evolution of plant microRNAs: insights from a basal eudicot sacred lotus.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are important noncoding small RNAs that regulate mRNAs in eukaryotes. However, under which circumstances different miRNAs/miRNA families exhibit different evolutionary trajectories in plants remains unclear. In this study, we sequenced the small RNAs and degradome from a basal eudicot, sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera or lotus), to identify miRNAs and their targets. Combining with public miRNAs, we predicted 57 pre-eudicot miRNA families from different evolutionary stages. We found that miRNA families featuring older age, higher copy and target number tend to show lower propensity for miRNA family loss (PGL) and stronger signature of purifying selection during divergence of temperate and tropical lotus. Further analyses of lotus genome revealed that there is an association between loss of miRNA families in descendent plants and in duplicated genomes. Gene dosage balance is crucial in maintaining those preferentially retained MIRNA duplicates by imposing stronger purifying selection. However, these factors and selection influencing miRNA family evolution are not applicable to the putative MIRNA-likes. Additionally, the MIRNAs participating in lotus pollen-pistil interaction, a conserved process in angiosperms, also have a strong signature of purifying selection. Functionally, sequence divergence in MIRNAs escalates expression divergence of their target genes between temperate and tropical lotus during rhizome and leaf growth. Overall, our study unravels several important factors and selection that determine the miRNA family distribution in plants and duplicated genomes, and provides evidence for functional impact of MIRNA sequence evolution.

Regulation of Transcription Factor Yin Yang 1 by SET7/9-mediated Lysine Methylation.

Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a multifunctional transcription factor shown to be critical in a variety of biological processes. Although it is regulated by multiple types of post-translational modifications (PTMs), whether YY1 is methylated, which enzyme methylates YY1, and hence the functional significance of YY1 methylation remains completely unknown. Here we reported the first methyltransferase, SET7/9 (KMT7), capable of methylating YY1 at two highly conserved lysine (K) residues, K173 and K411, located in two distinct domains, one in the central glycine-rich region and the other in the very carboxyl-terminus. Functional studies revealed that SET7/9-mediated YY1 methylation regulated YY1 DNA-binding activity both in vitro and at specific genomic loci in cultured cells. Consistently, SET7/9-mediated YY1 methylation was shown to involve in YY1-regulated gene transcription and cell proliferation. Our findings revealed a novel regulatory strategy, methylation by lysine methyltransferase, imposed on YY1 protein, and linked YY1 methylation with its biological functions.

Cis-Regulatory Elements Determine Germline Specificity and Expression Level of an Isopentenyltransferase Gene in Sperm Cells of Arabidopsis.

Flowering plant sperm cells transcribe a divergent and complex complement of genes. To examine promoter function, we chose an isopentenyltransferase gene known as PzIPT1. This gene is highly selectively transcribed in one sperm cell morphotype of Plumbago zeylanica, which preferentially fuses with the central cell during fertilization and is thus a founding cell of the primary endosperm. In transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), PzIPT1 promoter displays activity in both sperm cells and upon progressive promoter truncation from the 5'-end results in a progressive decrease in reporter production, consistent with occurrence of multiple enhancer sites. Cytokinin-dependent protein binding motifs are identified in the promoter sequence, which respond with stimulation by cytokinin. Expression of PzIPT1 promoter in sperm cells confers specificity independently of previously reported Germline Restrictive Silencer Factor binding sequence. Instead, a cis-acting regulatory region consisting of two duplicated 6-bp Male Gamete Selective Activation (MGSA) motifs occurs near the site of transcription initiation. Disruption of this sequence-specific site inactivates expression of a GFP reporter gene in sperm cells. Multiple copies of the MGSA motif fused with the minimal CaMV35S promoter elements confer reporter gene expression in sperm cells. Similar duplicated MGSA motifs are also identified from promoter sequences of sperm cell-expressed genes in Arabidopsis, suggesting selective activation is possibly a common mechanism for regulation of gene expression in sperm cells of flowering plants.

[Application of high performance liquid-ion trap mass spectrometry in analyzing saponins in sodium aescinate].

Sodium aescinate, which is produced from saponins of Chinese Buckeye Seed, is a prescription drug for treatment of brain edema and all kinds of swellings caused by surgery. In this article, high-performance liquid chromatography/ion trap (HPLC-IT) mass spectrometry was applied to study the characteristic ions of ten reference substances, namely escin Ⅰa, escin Ⅰb, isoescin Ⅰa, isoescin Ⅰb, aesculiside A, aesculiside B, aesculuside A, escin Ⅳc, escinⅡa and escin Ⅴ, which were isolated from aescinate. Furthermore, 19 saponin compounds were predicted in sodium aescinate, besides the above mentioned reference substances. The study showed that sapogenins in sodium aescinate had two structural types, namely protoaescigenin and barringenol C, and the substituent acetyl, tigloyl or angeloyl was usually located at C-21, C-22 or C-28 position. Among these predicted saponins, their sugar chains were all located at C-3 position consisting of glucose and glucuronide. This study provides experimental data for chemical constituents in sodium aescinate and scientific basis for quality and safety evaluation.

[Construction of BAC Library of Fagopyrum tataricum and Analysis of BAC End Sequences].

Objective: To further study Fagopyrum tataricum genome and to screen the functional genes. Methods: The variety JINQIAO No. 2( Fagopyrum tataricum) native to Shanxi, was used for BAC library construction. The high molecular weight DNA( HMWDNA) was isolated from Fagopyrum tataricum leaves used the methods of Peterson. The HMW-DNA was cut by Hind Ⅲ and ligated to BAC vectors; the ligations were transformed into Escherichia coli DH10 B. Then 48 BAC clones were randomly selected and sequenced BAC end sequences. Results: The library consisted of 30 000 clones with an average insert size of about 123 kb and the empty clone ratio was less than 1%. The library represented an equivalent about 6. 9 fold size of Fagopyrum tataricum genome. Which obtained 89 BAC end sequences,among which 7 sequences( 8%) had alignment results when comparing with NCBI Gen Bank database. The blast hits contained some genes with known function,such as rpo Tm2,Trrap and MDR1 genes,etc. Those genes were associated with DNA binding, transmembrane transport and phosphotransferase activity function. And it was also found that the sequence of 40G19-F was probably repetitive sequences in Fagopyrum tataricum genome. Conclusion: The BAC library will be helpful for the gene cloning and whole genome sequencing of Fagopyrum tataricum.