The complete plastome of Garcinia subelliptica, Merr. 1909 (Clusiaceae)

The complete plastome of G. subelliptica, Merr. 1909. The complete length is 158,356 bp, with the typical structure and gene content of angiosperm plastomes, including a large single-copy region (LSC) of 86,220 bp, a repeat region (IRB), and a reverse repeat region (IRA) of 27,399 bp, respectively, and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 17,338 bp. The plastome contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The total G/C content of the plastome is 36.1%.

The toxicity mechanism of toxic compounds from Euphorbiae pekinensis Radix on zebrafish embryos

Euphorbiae pekinensis Radix (EP) is effective in treating various diseases, but it's toxicity is a major obstacle in use in clinical. Although EP was processed with vinegar to reduce it's toxicity, the detailed mechanism of toxicity in EP have not been clearly delineated. This study investigate the toxicity attenuation-mechanism of Euphorbiae pekinensis after being processed with vinegar (VEP) and the toxic mechanism of four compounds from EP on zebrafish embryos. The contents of four compounds decreased obviously in VEP. Correspondingly, slower development on embryos can be seen as some symptoms like reduction of heart rate, liver area and gastrointestinal peristalsis after exposed to the compounds. Some obvious pathological signals such as pericardial edema and yolk sac edema were observed. Furthermore, the compounds could increase the contents of MDA and GSH-PX and induce oxidative damage by inhibiting the activity of SOD. Also, four compounds could provoke apoptosis by up-regulating the expression level of p53, MDM2, Bax, Bcl-2 and activating the activity of caspase-3, caspase-9. In conclusion, the four compounds play an important role in the toxicity attenuation effects of VEP, which may be related to the apoptosis induction and oxidative damage. This would contribute to the clinical application and further toxicity-reduction mechanism research.

The water expelling effect evaluation of 3-O-(2'E,4'Z-decadienoyl)-20-O-acetylingenol and ingenol on H22 mouse hepatoma ascites model and their content differences analysis in Euphorbia kansui before and after stir-fried with vinegar by UPLC

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Malignant ascites (MA) effusion is mainly caused by hepatocellular, ovarian, and breast cancer etc. It has been reported that Euphorbia kansui (EK), the root of Euphorbia kansui S.L.Liou ex S.B.Ho, possessing a therapeutic effect on MA. However, the clinical applications of EK are seriously restricted for its severe toxicity. Although studies demonstrated that vinegar-processing can reduce the toxicity and retain the water expelling effect of EK, its specific mechanism remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of toxicity reduction without compromising the pharmacological effects of EK stir-fried with vinegar (VEK).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

3-O-(2'E,4'Z-decadienoyl)-20-O-acetylingenol (3-O-EZ), a major diterpenoid of EK, could convert into ingenol after processing EK with vinegar. The H22 mouse hepatoma ascites model was replicated, and were given 3-O-EZ and ingenol seven days (110.14, 50.07 and 27.54 mg/kg). The histopathological observation, serum liver enzymes, serum Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) levels, ascites volumes, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels and H22 cells apoptosis in ascites were examined. Then the intestine (Aquaporin 8, AQP8) and kidney (Aquaporin 2, AQP2; Vasopressin type 2 receptor, V2R) protein expression were detected, as well as the metabolomics of serum were analyzed. Finally, the content of 3-O-EZ and ingenol in EK and VEK were investigated.

RESULTS

3-O-EZ and ingenol can relieve hepatic and gastrointestinal injuries, reduce ascites volumes, enhance the H22 cells apoptosis, ameliorate abnormal pro-inflammatory cytokines and RAAS levels, and down-regulate the expression of AQP8, AQP2, V2R. The involved metabolic pathways mainly included glycerophospholipid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism. And the decreasing rate of 3-O-EZ in VEK was 19.14%, the increasing rate of ingenol in VEK was 92.31%.

CONCLUSION

3-O-EZ and ingenol possess significant effect in treating MA effusion, while ingenol has lower toxicity compared with 3-O-EZ. And provide evidence for the mechanism of attenuation in toxicity without compromising the pharmacological effects of VEK.

Effect of the vinegar-process on chemical compositions and biological activities of Euphorbia kansui: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the root of Euphorbia kansui S.L.Liou ex S.B.Ho (EK), is used for treating edema and ascites but is also of toxicological concerns. And the clinical applications of EK have been seriously restricted for its severe toxicity. To reduce its toxicity, a commonly used clinical practice is processing it with vinegar.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aimed to summarize and discuss updated information on biological activities and phytochemistry of EK before and after vinegar-processing, and provide feasible insights for further research on the chemical composition, toxicity and pharmacological effects of EK before and after vinegar-processing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The relevant information on chemical compositions and biological activities of EK before and after vinegar-processing was collected from scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, CNKI, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and SciFinder). Additionally, published and unpublished Ph.D. and MSc. dissertations were also obtained from online databases.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Diuretic and purgative effect of EK are well documented pharmacologically as are acute, irritant and organic toxic effects. Some of about terpenoids reported have antiproliferative effects on cancer cells and potential antiviral effect. After processing with vinegar, the contents of terpenoids mostly were reduced (ingenane and jatrophane type) with some new compounds being generated (unclear). Also, the toxicity of EK was decreased (using mice, rats and zebrafish embryos model), while the diuretic and purgative effects were retained (using cancerous ascites model rats and mice).

CONCLUSIONS

While some evidence exists for the reduction of toxicity without compromising the pharmacological effects of EK after vinegar processing, the specific mechanism of action remains unknown. Consequently, further research is necessary to investigate the mechanisms and the relationship between vinegar processing and changes in the chemical composition as well as pharmacological effects/toxicity. This is essential before a safe clinical use can be endorsed.

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography combined with ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for determination of underivatized neurotransmitters in dementia patients' urine samples

A sensitive, rapid, precise and specific analytical method of hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole linear ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-UHPLC-QTRAP®/MS²) combined with a high-efficiency and easy sample preparation technology of ultrasound-assisted ionic liquid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UA-IL-DLLME) was developed to investigate neurotransmitters (NTs) in mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia and moderate dementia patients' urine samples. Firstly, the UA-IL-DLLME parameters were optimized using Plackett-Burman screening and rotatable central composite design, and the main optimal conditions were obtained: ultrasound power of 307 W, ultrasound time of 4.3 min and agitation time of 4.8 min. Secondly, HILIC-UHPLC-QTRAP®/MS² method was developed to simultaneously determine 15 underivatized NTs in urine samples. The analysis results of clinical samples showed that some NTs such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (Ach) and glutamic acid (Glu) presented significant differences in different dementia stages. Finally, multivariate analysis based on the combination of principal component analysis and supervised counter propagation artificial neural network was developed for comprehensive analysis of the obtained clinical data sets. As a result, GABA and Glu were simultaneously presented meaningful contribution for classification of samples, and might be considered as potential differential compounds to the urine samples from cluster patients with different dementia stages. In summary, the presented strategy of preparation, analysis and statistics might be used to investigate NTs in different clinical biological fluids.

Anti-thrombotic and pro-angiogenic effects of Rubia cordifolia extract in zebrafish

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rubia cordifolia is a common traditional Chinese medicine that promotes blood circulation and eliminates blood stasis, and has been used to cure diseases related to blood stasis syndrome (BSS) clinically for many years. It has been previously demonstrated that anti-thrombosis and pro-angiogenesis can improve BSS. However, the anti-thrombotic and pro-angiogenic activities of Rubia cordifolia have not been well investigated.

AIM OF STUDY

To determine the potential anti-thrombotic and pro-angiogenic activities of Rubia cordifolia and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In addition, the major chemical constituents of Rubia cordifolia extract (QC) were qualitatively analysed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to explore the association between pharmacological activity and chemical constituents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The QC samples were composed of a 95% ethanol extract and an aqueous extract following extraction using 95% ethanol. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to analyse the major chemical constituents of QC. For the anti-thrombotic experiment of QC, a phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced AB strain zebrafish thrombosis model was used. The zebrafish larvae were stained using O-dianisidine, and the heart and caudal vein of the zebrafish were observed and imaged with a fluorescence microscope. The staining intensity of erythrocytes in the heart (SI) of each group and the morphology of thrombus in the caudal vein were used to assess the anti-thrombotic effect of QC. For the pro-angiogenic assay of QC, the intersegmental blood vessel (ISV) insufficiency model of Tg(fli-1: EGFP)y1 transgenic zebrafish (Flik zebrafish), which was induced by the VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor II (VRI), was used. The morphology of the intact ISVs and defective ISVs was observed to evaluate the pro-angiogenic activity of QC. The mechanism involved in promoting angiogenesis was studied with real-time PCR.

RESULTS

A total of 12 components in QC were identified based on standard compounds and references, including nine anthraquinones and three naphthoquinones. After treatment with QC, the PHZ-induced thrombosis in AB strain zebrafish larvae decreased to a certain degree, which we believe was related to its dosages, and the therapeutic effect within the 50-200 µg/mL QC treatment groups was especially prominent (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) compared to that in the PHZ model group. Similarly, QC also recovered the loss of the ISVs, which was induced by VRI in Flik zebrafish larvae, which have a certain dose-effect relationship. The pro-angiogenic activity of QC was also conspicuous (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) compared to that of the VRI model group. The following real-time PCR assay proved that QC significantly restored the VRI-induced downregulation of vWF, VEGF-A, kdrl, and flt-1 in Flik zebrafish (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A total of 12 compounds from QC were analysed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS. The data of the pharmacological experiments demonstrated that QC presented anti-thrombotic and pro-angiogenic activities in zebrafish, and the principal active components were likely anthraquinones and naphthoquinones. Thus, the current study provided a theoretical basis for the clinical use of Rubia cordifolia as a traditional Chinese medicine in promoting blood circulation and eliminating stasis.

Analysis of isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside in rat plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic studies

AIM

To establish an LC-MS/MS method for determination of isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside and investigate its application on pharmacokinetic study in rats.

METHODS

Eight rats were given 5 mg·kg(-1) isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside after intravenous administration. A highly sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidosidein rat plasma using rutin as internal standard. The analytes and rutin (internal standard) were extracted with methanol followed by a rapid isocratic elution with 10 mmol·L(-1) ammonium acetate buffer/methanol (20 : 80, V/V) on a C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, I.D., 5 μm) and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry in the multi-eaction-monitoring mode.

RESULTS

The assays were linear over the concentration range of 0.01-10 μg·mL(-1) for isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidosidein rat plasma. The lower limit of quantifications for isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidoside was 0.01 μg·mL(-1).

CONCLUSION

The validated method is successfully applied to determine the plasma concentrations of isorhamnetin-3-O-neohesperidosidein in rats.

[Spectrum-active relation research on Typha angustifolia before and after carbonized]

OBJECTIVE

To study the components of Typha angustifolia change before and after carbonized and the correlation with its effective.

METHODS

The chemical constitutions between the pollen and its carbonized product were compared by UPLC-MASS and their thrombin activity was tested.

RESULTS

The change of components was significant especially the flavonoids. The content of flavonoid glycoside was reduced obviously and the thrombin activity showed the main difference was quercetin and isorhamnetin.

CONCLUSION

The flavonoids in pollen typha may be the main factors in their thrombin activity.

[Study on the chemical constituents of vinegar Schisandra chinensis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of vinegar Schisandra chinensis.

METHODS

Column chromatography was used in the isolation procedure. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated by spectral data.

RESULTS

Five compounds were isolated and their structures were identified as kadsuranin (I), beta-sitosterol (II), schizandrin (III), 5,5'-[oxybis (methylene)] bis-2-furancarboxaldehyde (IV) and (NH)-form-2-Hydroxyquinoline4-carboxylic acid (V).

CONCLUSION

Compound 5 is isolated from this genus for the first time.

Role of cytoplasm-specific introgression in the evolution of the polyploid wheats

Studies of N-banded mitotic and meiotic karyotypes of Triticum turgidum L. (2n = 28; AABB) and Triticum timopheevii Zhuk. (2n = 28; AAGG) and hybrids between them, along with observations of meiotic pairing between telocentrics of the AB-genome chromosomes and their respective homologues and homeologues in T. timopheevii, showed that chromosome 4 (m4) of Triticum monococcum L. is present (as 4A(t)) in T. timopheevii but is lacking in T. turgidum. Neither 4A nor 4B pairs with 4A(t), but 4A pairs with 4G and, for this reason and because of its banding pattern, must be considered a B-genome chromosome. T. timopheevii chromosomes 4A(t) and 3A(t) are involved in a reciprocal translocation, and 2A(t), 1G, 2G, and 5G are also involved in translocations. Chromosome arm 4BL occasionally pairs with 7G. The satellites are on the short arms of chromosomes 6A(t) and 6G of T. timopheevii and 1B and 6B of T. turgidum. It is suggested that (i) T. timopheevii orginated as an allotetraploid of Aegilops speltoides Tausch/T. monococcum and (ii) T. turgidum was derived from T. timopheevii by introgressive hybridization with an unknown diploid species, which contributed its distinctive cytoplasm, chromosome 4B or a substantial portion of it, and additional chromosome segments. Rapid fixation of 4B in T. turgidum was ensured by cytoplasm-specific transmission.

Molecular cytogenetic characterization of alien introgressions with gene Fhb3 for resistance to Fusarium head blight disease of wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance was identified in the alien species Leymus racemosus, and wheat-Leymus introgression lines with FHB resistance were reported previously. Detailed molecular cytogenetic analysis of alien introgressions T01, T09, and T14 and the mapping of Fhb3, a new gene for FHB resistance, are reported here. The introgression line T09 had an unknown wheat-Leymus translocation chromosome. A total of 36 RFLP markers selected from the seven homoeologous groups of wheat were used to characterize T09 and determine the homoeologous relationship of the introgressed Leymus chromosome with wheat. Only short arm markers for group 7 detected Leymus-specific fragments in T09, whereas 7AS-specific RFLP fragments were missing. C-banding and genomic in situ hybridization results indicated that T09 has a compensating Robertsonian translocation T7AL.7Lr#1S involving the long arm of wheat chromosome 7A and the short arm of Leymus chromosome 7Lr#1 substituting for chromosome arm 7AS of wheat. Introgression lines T01 (2n = 44) and T14 (2n = 44) each had two pairs of independent translocation chromosomes. T01 had T4BS.4BL-7Lr#1S + T4BL-7Lr#1S.5Lr#1S. T14 had T6BS.6BL-7Lr#1S + T6BL.5Lr#1S. These translocations were recovered in the progeny of the irradiated line Lr#1 (T5Lr#1S.7Lr#1S). The three translocation lines, T01, T09, and T14, and the disomic addition 7Lr#1 were consistently resistant to FHB in greenhouse point-inoculation experiments, whereas the disomic addition 5Lr#1 was susceptible. The data indicated that at least one novel FHB resistance gene from Leymus, designated Fhb3, resides in the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 7Lr#1, because the resistant translocation lines share a common distal segment of 7Lr#1S. Three PCR-based markers, BE586744-STS, BE404728-STS, and BE586111-STS, specific for 7Lr#1S were developed to expedite marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.

[RFLP analysis of wheat-L. racemosus translocation lines]

A number of wheat-L. racemosus translocation lines were developed by irradiation, pollen culture and gametocidal chromosome methods. In order to identify homozygous translocation lines and determine the exact location of the breakpoints involved in the translocations, 67 probes genetically or physically mapped previously on wheat chromosomes belonging to seven homoeologous groups were used for RFLP analysis. Three homozygous translocation lines were identified: T1BL.7Lr # 1S, T4BS.4BL-7Lr # 1 and T6AL.7Lr # 1S. In lines T1BL.7Lr # 1S and T6AL.7Lr # 1S, the breakpoint of chromosome 7Lr # 1 was located in the short arm between the area marked by clone MWG808 and that of ABG476.1, and the breakpoints of chromosomes 1B and 6A were both located near the centromere. In line T4BS.4BL-7Lr # 1S, the breakpoint of chromosome 7Lr # 1 was located in the short arm between the area marked by clone BCD349 and that of CDO595, the breakpoint of chromosome 4B was located in the long arm between the area marked by clone CDO541 and that of PSR164.

[Molecular markers linked to dwarf gene Rht3 in wheat]

The dwarf gene Rht3 derived from Tom Thumb variety, a Tibetan wheat of China, is a dominant gene with the insensitivity to gibberellic acid. Rht3 shows to depress alpha-amylase activity and hence enchance the resistance to preharvest sprouting mainly through its effect on the expression of alpha-Amy1. Near isogenic lines with Rht3 and their segregating population were analyzed by PCR and RFLP techonology. In RAPD analysis, out of 310 random primers (10 bp) screened, only three primers of UBC389, OPV-06 and S1060 revealed polymorphisms in NIL from 310 random primers. Fragments S1060(1900) and S1060(2000) amplified by primer S1060 were shown to be linked to Rht3 with a genetic distance 7.1 cM and 9.2 cM. Fifty-three probes specific for short arms of homoeologous group 4 were screened in RFLP analysis. Xpsr584, XksuF8 and Xcdo38 showed polymorphisms between the NIL. The linkage analysis indicateded that Xpsr584 was linked to Rht3 with a genetic distance 8.0 cM.

[Pyramiding and marker-assisted selection for powdery mildew resistance genes in common wheat]

This project used the strategy of discarding susceptible individual plants and keeping resistance ones by resistance identification in breeding populations and planted resistant plants next in earlier generations (F1-F3), and performing marker-assisted selection combining resistance identification in later generation (F4 generation) for pyramiding powdery mildew resistance. F4 populations from crosses of elite parents possessing different Pm genes were screened by using molecular markers tightly linked to Pm2, Pm4a, Pm8 and Pm21 genes, respectively. Fourteen individual plants with Pm4a and Pm21 out of 40 F4 plants were identified. Sixteen individual plants containing Pm2 and Pm4a out of 80 F4 plants and six plants possessing Pm8 + Pm21 out of 58 F2 plants were screened. Notably, the plants with Pm2 and Pm4a showed high level resistance or immunity to powdery mildew, while plants with single Pm2 or Pm4a had lower resistance. The results suggest that the strategy of pyramiding different Pm genes provide an alternative way of utilizing resistance gene resources for breeding new types of resistance lines and cultivars, which will have significance not only in breeding practice but also in theoretical research.

[Cloning and characterization of pathogenesis-related protein 1 from wheat-H. villosa translocation lines]

A Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation line contained powdery mildew resistance gene Pm21 which is effective against all the current biotypes of Erygsiphe gramins. Cloning of the related genes for powdery mildew resistance is significance for understanding its resistance mechanism and disease resistance breeding. Using RT-PCR and RACE technology, a wheat pathogenesis related protein 1 cDNA clone (TaPr-1) corresponding to a mRNA differentially induced in resistant 6VS/6AL translocation line compared to susceptible wheat cultivar "Yangmai 5" by powdery mildew infection was isolated and characterized. This sequence contained 823 bp and had an open reading frame (ORF) containing 164 amino acids with 24 amino acids in the putative signal peptide and 140 amino acids comprising the mature peptide (15.1 kD). The deduced amino acid sequence showed close homology to PR-1 like proteins, which have been isolated from many plants. Northern blot analysis revealed the most abundantly accumulation of the corresponding mRNA 12 h after infection in translocation line (6VS/6AL). The obviously difference in the expression of the PRw-1 was also observed between resistant translocation line (6VS/6AL) and susceptible parent "Yangmai 5", it showed the TaPr-1 gene is related to powdery mildew resistance. Southern blot indicated that the wheat genome contains more than one copies of TaPr-1 genes, and there are polymorphism between translocation lines and "Yanmai 5", the result shows that 6VS may contain TaPr-1 genes.

[Development and identification of T. aestivum-S. cereale-H. villosa double translocation line 1RS.1BL, 6VS.6AL via chromosome C-banding and dual color FISH]

In order to enhance the disease resistance of wheat-rye 1BL.1RS translocation line and broaden its genetic bases, a 1RS.1BL line was crossed to 6VS.6AL and from its F2 progenies, a double translocation line designated as 1RS.1BL, 6VS.6AL (2n = 42) was identified by (root tip cell) RTC chromosome C-banding. Its mean chromosome configuration at PMC MI was 19.14II + 1.86[symbol: see text] II indicating genetic stability. Rye and H. villosa genomic DNA labelled by biotin- and digoxingenin-11-dUTP respectively were used as probes simultaneously for dual color FISH identification. The results confirmed the C-banding results. Rye and H. villosa chromatin after FISH expressed green or red signals respectively in both RTC and PMC of the double translocation line. This line showed normal fertility, desirable agronomic traits and resistance to powdery mildew, and might be of interest for wheat improvement.

Identification of RAPD markers tightly linked to wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm6.l

Pm6 transferred from Triticum timopheevii L. to common wheat, is an effective resistance gene to powdery mildew disease caused by Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici. The RAPD technique, employing a total of 700 decamer primers, was used to identify polymorphic markers between resistant (IGVI463) and susceptible (Prins) near-isogenic lines. Primer OPV20 produced a 2,000 base pair (bp) reproducible fragment only in the resistant near-isogenic line. The 2,000-bp DNA fragment was present in all other introgression lines containing Pm6. Using the F2 mapping population from a cross of IGVI-463 (PI170914/7*Prins) x Prins, Pm6 was shown to be closely linked to the marker OPV20-2000 at a genetic distance of 3.0 +/- 2.2 cM. The marker was successfully used in detecting the presence of Pm6 in different genetic backgrounds.

[Development of Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6VS ditelosomic substitution line via phlb mutant]

Chinese Spring phlb mutant (C S phlbphlb) was crossed to Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6V (6A) alien substitution line and F1 back was crossed with C. S phlbphlb. One LV 02 with varied H. villosa 6V chromosome and one LV 02-01 with 40 T. aestivum chromosome, one H. villosa 6V and 6VS chromosome were screened in BC1F1 and BC1F2 respectively by C-banding and the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In segregated generation of LV 02-01, eight T. aestivum-H. villosa 6VS ditelosomic substitution lines were screened by FISH and C-banding.

[Studies of development of disomic addition lines of Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa via AABBDDDD octaploid]

Hexaploid hybrid between Triticum aestivum-Aegilops squarrosa (2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDDD) octaploid and Triticum durum-Haynaldia villosa (2n = 6x = 42, AABBVV) was self pollinated. The putitative T. aestivum-H. villosa 6V and 2V addition lines were creened by C-banding in F4 and chromosome configurations of PMC at MI were 0.14I + 20.42II + 1.50II and 0.10 I + 20.07II + 1.82II, respectively. Genomic DNA of 95-7 and 26-7 were digested by EcoRI, and Southern bloting was employed using group 6 probe Psr113 for 95-7 and group 2 probe BCD240 fro 26-7. The results showed that 95-7 and 26-7 had the same special bands as H. villosa did. Therefore, 95-7 and 26-7 further identified were T. aestivum-H. villosa 6V and 2V disomic addition lines.

[Studies of the development of Triticum aestivum-Leymus racemosus translocation lines by pollen irradiation]

Pollens of 94G15 and 94G45, two wheat lines added to chromosome Lr.14 and Lr.2 of Leymus racemosus respectively were irradiated via 60Co-gamma rays and then used to hybridize with two common wheat varieties--Yangmai 5 and Mianyang 11. The five plants showing chromosome pairing between T. aestivum and L. racemosus at PMC MI stage were selected from seventeen examined plants of M1 progeny as the result of meiosis configuration analysis of chromosomes treated with Giemsa C-banding and fluorescent in situ hybridization. Among which, two T. aestivum-L. racemosus alien translocation lines--LW8(3)1 and LW11(3)1 were developed on the basis of further identification of M2 RTC chromosomes by C-banding and in situ hybridization. In addition, feasibility and effectiveness of the pollen irradiation in the development of T. aestivum-relatives alien translocations and the availability of the translocation lines of T. aestivum-L. racemosus are also discussed.

[Screening and study of RAPD markers tightly linked to wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm2]

The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was made in Pm2 near-isogenic lines (NILs) with 265 random primers. Seventeen out of the 256 tested primers amplified the polymorphic DNA in the NILs. Five of them showed the same discriminating results in more than four replications. The polymorphic bands were assigned to be OPM08(1600), OPI04(1700), OPH19(1100) and OPE09(900), respectively. Using these five polymorphic primers to detect 14 resistant materials with Pm2 and 9 susceptible materials without Pm2, only OPI04(1700) was amplified in 12 of the 14 resistant materials and absent in all of the 9 susceptible materials. Further RAPD analysis of (Chancellor x Ulka/8*Cc) F2 plants by primer OPI04 indicated that the genetic distance of OPI04(1700) to Pm2 was 12.2 +/- 3.3 cM.

[Construction of a transformation-competent artificial chromosome (TAC) library of a wheat-Haynaldia villosa translocation line]

Transformation-competent artificial chromosome (TAC) vector is able to clone and transfer large DNA fragments in plants and is a powerful tool for plant gene isolation and transformation. To clone important genes from wheat, a TAC genomic library was constructed from nuclear DNA of a 6VS/6AL wheat-Haynaldia villosa translocation line that harbor the gene Pm21 for resistance to powdery mildew. The library consists of 2.1 x 10(6) clones with an average DNA insert size of 35 kb, and represents in total 4.9 genome equivalents. The library was stored as clone pools in 96-well plates, and each pool contained about 1000 clones. TAC clones containing gene(s) of interest can be screened by a pooled-PCR/colony-hybridization strategy.

Postexposure immunoprophylaxis of primary isolates by an antibody to HIV receptor complex

mAb B4 is a monoclonal antibody directed against HIV receptor complex. The antibody had broad neutralizing activity against HIV and provided postexposure prophylaxis to hu-peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL)-severe combined immunodeficient mice and chimpanzees. B4 recognized a complex receptor site for HIV on the T cell surface that includes CD4 and also may be influenced by interaction with HIV coreceptors. mAb B4 preferentially neutralized primary HIV-1 isolates compared with T cell line-adapted strains, including syncytium-inducing and non-syncytium-inducing phenotypes, representatives from HIV-1 subtypes A-G, as well as HIV-2, simian immunodeficiency virus, and chimeric simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV). Neutralization was demonstrated in both pre- and postinfection models. The administration of mAb B4 after infectious challenge totally interrupted the infection of hu-PBL-severe combined immunodeficient mice by PBL-grown HIV-1 and the infection of chimpanzees by chimp-adapted HIV-1. This mode of protection suggested that the anti-HIV receptor antibody is efficacious for prophylaxis after exposure to HIV and for prevention of maternal transmission and may be an effective antiretroviral agent for treatment.

Differentiation of convalescent animals from those vaccinated against foot-and-mouth disease by a peptide ELISA

We have identified continuous antigenic determinants within the amino acid sequences of the conserved nonstructural region containing proteins 2C and 3ABC of foot-and-mouth disease virus which can distinguish between the sera from vaccinated and infected animals. An ELISA based on a 3B peptide gave a positive reaction with sera from cattle, pigs, sheep and guinea pigs infected with all seven serotypes of the virus, but not with sera from vaccinated animals. In experiments with cattle and pigs to determine the duration of the antibody response, positive reactions were obtained as late as one year after infection. The advantages of using peptides from the nonstructural viral proteins instead of recombinant proteins for differentiating vaccinees from infected animals include their exquisite specificity, nonreactivity with antibodies against host cell-derived proteins (e.g. E. coli and insect cell proteins), and their ease of preparation.

Synthetic peptides entrapped in microparticles can elicit cytotoxic T cell activity

Peptides from Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite protein (CS) and influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP) were entrapped in microparticles prepared from poly (lactide-co-glycolide) polymers, and the microparticles were administered parenterally to mice. After immunization with single or multiple doses, splenocytes were tested for a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) response and high levels of CTL activity were detected. The CTL induced were CD8+, MHC class I restricted, and could recognize virus infected cells. Peptide entrapped in microparticles of mean size < 500 nm were better inducers of CTL than larger microparticles (mean > 2 microns and above). Microparticles could also be used to deliver lipid modified peptides (lipopeptides) and elicited higher levels of cytolytic activity than either free peptide in microparticles or lipopeptide alone. Microparticles provide a novel way of inducing a CTL response using synthetic peptides.

Development and molecular cytogenetic analysis of wheat-Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation lines specifying resistance to powdery mildew

Several Triticum aestivum L.-Haynaldia villosa disomic 6VS/6AL translocation lines with powdery mildew resistance were developed from the hybridization between common wheat cultivar Yangmai 5 and alien substitution line 6V(6A). Mitotic and meiotic C-banding analysis, aneuploid analysis with double ditelosomic stocks, in situ hybridization, as well as the phenotypic assessment of powdery mildew resistance, were used to characterize these lines. The same translocated chromosome, with breakpoints near the centromere, appears to be present in all the lines, despite variation among the lines in their morphology and agronomic characteristics. The resistance gene, conferred by H. villosa and designated as Pm21, is a new and promising source of powdery mildew resistance in wheat breeding.

Isolation, characterization and application of a species-specific repeated sequence from Haynaldia villosa

A species-specific repeated sequence, pHvNAU62, was cloned from Haynaldia villosa, a wheat relative of great importance. It strongly hybridized to H. villosa, but not to wheat. In situ hybridization localized this sequence to six of seven H. villosa chromosome pairs in telomeric or sub-telomeric regions. Southern hybridization to whea-H. villosa addition lines showed that chromosomes 1V through 6V gave strong signals in ladders while chromosome 7V escaped detection. In addition to H. villosa, several Triticeae species were identified for a high abundance of the pHvNAU62 repeated sequence, among which Thinopyrum bassarabicum and Leymus racemosus produced the strongest signals. Sequence analysis indicated that the cloned fragment was 292 bp long, being AT rich (61%), and showed 67% homology of pSc7235, a rye repeated sequence. Isochizomer analysis suggested that the present repeated sequence was heavily methylated at the cytosine of the CpG dimer in the genome of H. villosa.It was also demonstrated that pHvNAU62 is useful in tagging the introduced 6VS chromosome arm, which confers a resistance gene to wheat powdery mildew, in the segregating generations.

Transfer of Ph (I) genes promoting homoeologous pairing from Triticum speltoides to common wheat

Diploid-like chromosome pairing in polyploid wheat is controlled by several Ph (pairing homoeologous) genes with major and minor effects. Homoeologous pairing occurs in either the absence of these genes or their inhibition by genes from other species (Ph (I) genes). We transferred Ph (I) genes from Triticum speltoides (syn Aegilops speltoides) to T. aestivum, and on the basis of further analysis it appears that two duplicate and independent Ph (I) genes were transferred. Since Ph (I) genes are epistatic to the Ph genes of wheat, homoeologous pairing between the wheat and alien chromosomes occurs in the F1 hybrids. Using the Ph (I) gene stock, we could demonstrate homoeologous pairing between the wheat and Haynaldia villosa chromosomes. Since homoeologous pairing occurs in F1 hybrids and no cytogenetic manipulation is needed, the Ph (I) gene stock may be a versatile tool for effecting rapid and efficient alien genetic transfers to wheat.

Serological analysis and biochemical characterization of monoclonal antibodies defining antigens of human hepatocellular carcinoma

A panel of seven murine monoclonal antibodies reactive with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line, SK- HEP-1, resulted in the definition of four distinct antigen systems, designated HB4, HB5, HB1 and HJ2. HB4 antigen was found to be expressed specifically on HCC cell lines and fresh HCC specimens but not on normal liver. Immunoprecipitation tests suggest that the HB4 epitope may be a heat-stable carbohydrate determinant on a high molecular mass molecule. HB5 antigen was found to have less-restricted expression on a panel of normal adult tissues and on melanoma, astrocytoma, sarcoma, neuroblastoma and epithelial cancer cell lines. In fetal and adult liver, HB5 antigen localized to bile canaliculi and ducts. Under reducing conditions, three mAbs detected a Mr 140,000 glycoprotein using lysates of [125-I], [3-H]-glucosamine and [35-S]-methionine labeled SK-HEP-1 cells. Under non-reducing conditions an additional component of greater than Mr 200,000 was also detected. HB1 antigen was found on almost all monolayer cell lines and not on most cultured suspension cells. This antigen was also detected on cultured HCC cells inoculated into nu/nu mice. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that the HB1 antigen is a bimolecular complex with an Mr 170,000 alpha chain and Mr 130,000 beta chain under non-reducing conditions, and three subunits of Mr 140,000, Mr 30,000 and Mr 130,000 under reducing conditions. Two antibodies reacted with epitopes on the alpha chain. HJ2 antigenic determinant is a heat-stable component which could not be immunoprecipitated. This most widely expressed antigen was found in secreted form in many of the cells and tissues examined. These antibodies introduce new antigens which may serve as useful markers for the diagnosis, classification and investigation of HCC and other liver diseases.

Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies directed at epitopes of human IFN-gamma

Five monoclonal antibodies (A7, B24, I14, L12, and M2) recognizing different epitopes of the human natural IFN-gamma were prepared by immunizing BALB/c mice with a highly purified human natural IFN-gamma preparation (10(7) U/mg). All five antibodies had high IFN-gamma-binding activity but exhibited differential IFN-gamma-neutralizing activities. Furthermore, none of them neutralized the antiviral activity exhibited by either IFN-alpha or IFN-beta preparations, indicating thus their specificity for IFN-gamma. The A7, L12, M2, and I14 monoclonal antibodies, but not the B24, blocked the augmentation of natural killer cytotoxicity, mediated by peripheral blood monocyte-depleted lymphocytes, by Escherichia coli-derived IFN-gamma or natural IFN-gamma but not by IFN-alpha 2. All five monoclonal antibodies precipitated an identical molecular complex containing two major protein components with molecular weights of 20,000 (20 kD) and 25,000 (25 kD) and two minor components with molecular weights of 17,000 (17 kD) and 45,000 (45 kD). Treatment of the immunoprecipitated IFN-gamma molecule with endoglycosylase F led to a stepwise removal of the carbohydrate portions on both the 25 and 20 kD chains, which resulted in the appearance of both 16 kD and 18 kD chains. The hereby reported monoclonal anti-IFN-gamma antibodies will prove useful as probes for purification and for rapid assay of human IFN-gamma molecule.