TobEA: an atlas of tobacco gene expression from seed to senescence.

BACKGROUND: Transcriptomics has resulted in the development of large data sets and tools for the progression of functional genomics and systems biology in many model organisms. Currently there is no commercially available microarray to allow such expression studies in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). RESULTS: A custom designed Affymetrix tobacco expression microarray was generated from a set of over 40k unigenes and used to measure gene expression in 19 different tobacco samples to produce the Tobacco Expression Atlas (TobEA). TobEA provides a snap shot of the transcriptional activity for thousands of tobacco genes in different tissues throughout the lifecycle of the plant and enables the identification of the biological processes occurring in these different tissues. 772 of 2513 transcription factors previously identified in tobacco were mapped to the array, with 87% of them being expressed in at least one tissue in the atlas. Putative transcriptional networks were identified based on the co-expression of these transcription factors. Several interactions in a floral identity transcription factor network were consistent with previous results from other plant species. To broaden access and maximise the benefit of TobEA a set of tools were developed to provide researchers with expression information on their genes of interest via the Solanaceae Genomics Network (SGN) web site. The array has also been made available for public use via the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre microarray service. CONCLUSIONS: The generation of a tobacco expression microarray is an important development for research in this model plant. The data provided by TobEA represents a valuable resource for plant functional genomics and systems biology research and can be used to identify gene targets for both fundamental and applied scientific applications in tobacco.

Introduction, control, and spread of Aedes albopictus on Grand Cayman Island, 1997-2001.

Infestations of Aedes albopictus were first identified in the Cayman Islands on June 19, 1997. Control techniques that had previously been effective in the elimination of Ae. aegypti from these islands were employed with the aim of eliminating this species. Chemical control methods against adult mosquitoes used a combination of ultra-low-volume applications of fenthion, backpack spraying with permethrin, and residual wall treatments with lambda-cyhalothrin. Larval stages were also targeted with the use of granular formulations of temephos and methoprene applied to all containers capable of sustaining larval development. For a 2-year period after the discovery of the introduction the abundance of this mosquito remained low (Breteau index = 0.6); however, in 1999 Ae. albopictus became firmly established (Breteau index = 5.5). By the end of 2001 it was apparent that the control methods utilized had failed to stop the spread of this species. This work describes the control methods utilized and discusses possible reasons for the failure of the elimination campaign.