同源四倍体水稻三系亲本的遗传差异、细胞遗传学比较研究及低直链淀粉含量突变体Wx基因序列分析

同源四倍体水稻（2N=4X=48,AAAA）是由二倍体水稻（2N=2X=24,AA）通过秋水仙素诱导染色体加倍后得到的新品系，具有优良的抗病性以及较高的蛋白质含量。因此，在四倍体水平上挖掘水稻的增产潜力成为水稻育种的新手段。同源四倍体水稻具有很强的遗传可塑性和很弱的遗传保守性，利用其作为水稻远缘杂交的桥梁，从野生物种中不断地引进有益的基因，这将有助于杂交水稻的多代利用和固定水稻的杂种优势。但是迄今为止，还没有关于同源四倍体水稻遗传多样性，遗传背景的报道。目前世界关于同源四倍体水稻的研究主要集中在中国，主要研究方向为培育、筛选结实正常的亲本材料，配置和筛选结实率正常或接近正常的组合。经过几十年研究，虽然在材料构建，细胞学研究等方面取得了较大进展，但同样由于结实率低的瓶颈问题未解决，而使多倍体水稻育种未能取得实质性进展。而近年来一些关于同源四倍体水稻低结实率机理的细胞学研究也由于缺乏统计学数据而缺乏说明性。本文用SSR标记，对选取的36个结实率正常同源四倍体水稻三系亲本和14个来源二倍体亲本，分析他们的遗传差异和群体遗传结构。本文还利用我们培育的高、低结实率的同源四倍体水稻恢复系、优良保持系和杂种F1及二倍体对照为材料，进行系统深入的细胞遗传学研究，进一步探讨同源四倍体水稻有性传递后代的发育过程，探索分裂期染色体行为特征与遗传性状稳定性的关系，为进一步选育多倍体水稻品种并将其应用于生产提供理论依据。同源四倍体水稻突变株D4063-1直链淀粉含量比来源二倍体明恢63下降一半,即其直链淀粉含量为5.23%，为研究其直链淀粉含量下降的原因，本文还根据普通水稻Wx基因设计引物，扩增测序获得了D4063-1Wx基因的全序列，与已报道Wx基因进行比对分析，并根据D4063-1和籼稻、粳稻的序列差异并根据D4063-1在该片段上的特征序列位点设计了用于识别D4063-1的寡核苷酸片段,为快速、准确的鉴别低直链淀粉的D4063-1创造了条件。 SSR标记具有基因组分布广泛、数量丰富、多态性高、容易检测、共显性、结果稳定可靠、实验重现性好、操作简单、经济、易于高通量分析等许多优点，被认为是用于遗传多样性、品种鉴定、物种的系统发育、亲缘关系及起源等研究的非常有效的分子标记。本研究选取了中国科学院成都生物所培育的同源四倍体和二倍体水稻亲本，并用36个微卫星标记进行了遗传差异和种群遗传结构分析。在50个品系中，我们观察到较高水平的多态性，每基因等位基因数（Ae）分布于2至6之间（平均值3.028），多态性信息含量（PIC）分布于0.04至0.76之间（平均值0.366）；期望杂合度（He）分布于0.04至0.76之间（平均值0.370），Shannon指数（I）分布于0.098至1.613之间（平均值0.649）。同源四倍体品系的等位基因数，期望杂合性和Shannon指数都比二倍体品系高。在供试50个品系中，较多材料均发现Rare基因，根据SSR多态性指数我们构建了同源四倍体和二倍体水稻的核心指纹库。F-统计值表明遗传差异主要存在于同源四倍体品系中（Fst=0.066）。聚类分析结果表明50个品系可以分为4个组。I组包括所有的同源四倍体和二倍体籼稻保持系，以及一个同源四倍体籼稻雄性不育系及其来源二倍体。II组仅包括IR来源的品系。III组比II组和IV组更复杂，包括同源四倍体和二倍体籼稻恢复系品系。IV组包括同源四倍体和二倍体粳稻品系。此外,由于等位基因及配子的遗传差异,同源四倍体与二倍体品系中存在单位点和双位点的遗传差异。分析结果表明,二倍体和四倍体水稻基因库的不同,其中遗传变异可以区分四倍体与二倍体水稻。同源四倍体水稻具有长期而独立的遗传性，我们能够选育并得到与二倍体亲本相比有特殊优良农艺性状的品系。 本研究以高结实率的同源四倍体水稻恢复系DTP-4、D明恢63及优良保持系D46B为材料进行农艺性状及细胞遗传学比较研究。DTP-4、D明恢63及保持系D46B的的染色体组成均为2N=4X=48，花粉母细胞具有较为理想的减数分裂行为，配对染色体的比率在99%以上，这与理论染色体组构成相符。DTP-4和D明恢63PMC减数分裂各个时期单价体和三价体的比例都非常低，而在MI， PMC观察到较多的二价体和四价体且四价体多以环状形式出现，其最大频率的染色体构型分别为12II 6IV和10II 7IV。恢复系DTP-4和D明恢63在MI四价体频率分别为2.00/PMC和2.26/PMC，而保持系D46B在MI四价体频率为6.00/PMC，极显著地高于恢复系品系，表明保持系D46B具有更好的染色体配对性质；AI保持系D46B的染色体滞后频率为10.62%，远低于恢复系材料DTP－4和D明恢63的19.44％和23.14％，接近二倍体对照明恢63的7.30%水平；TI保持系D46B具有比恢复系更低频率的微核数。而在TII，D46B的正常四分小孢子比率不但高于恢复系品系甚至高于二倍体对照。对高低结实率的同源四倍体水稻恢复系和杂种F1代的花粉育性，结实率和细胞遗传学行为进行了比较研究。DTP-4, D明恢63, D46A´DTP-4和D46A´D明恢63的花粉育性和结实率比D什香和D46A´D什香显著提高。减数分裂分析的结果表明，DTP-4，D明恢63，D什香，D46A´DTP-4，D46A´D明恢63和D46A´D什香其减数分裂染色体构型分别为：0.05I +19.96 II (9.89棒状+10.07环状) +0.01III + 2.20 IV, 0.11I +19.17 II (8.90 棒状+10.37 环状) +0.09III + 2.26 IV + 0.01 VI, 1.33I +9.46 II (4.50 棒状+4.96 环状) +0.44III + 6.02 IV + 0.09VI + 0.09 VIII, 0.02I +14.36 II (6.44 棒状+7.91 环状) +0.01III + 4.80IV + 0.01VIII, 0.06 I +17.67 II (11.01 棒状+6.67 环状) +0.06 III + 3.10 IV + 0.01 VI and 1.11 I +11.31 II (5.80 棒状+5.51 环状) +0.41 III + 5.63 IV+0.03VI+0.03VIII。在同源四倍体水稻恢复系和杂种F1代材料中，最常见的染色体构型为16II +4IV和12II +6IV。在减数分裂过程中，结实率较高的材料染色体异常现象较少而结实率较低的材料染色体异常现象较严重。在杂种F1代中，二价体的比例要低于其相应的恢复系亲本，同样的，单价体，三价体和多价体的比例相比其恢复系亲本也偏低。然而，在减数分裂MI，杂种F1代中四价体的比例要显著高于其恢复系亲本。在中期I，每细胞单价体的比例和花粉育性呈现出极高的负相关(-0.996)，当单价体数目升高时，花粉育性下降。其次是每细胞三价体的比例(-0.987)，之后则是每细胞多价体的比例与花粉育性的负相关(-0.948)。但是统计分析表明，二价体和四价体的比例对花粉育性和结实率没有显著影响。这一结果表明出了花粉育性和细胞减数分裂行为的相关性，同源四倍体的减数分裂行为为筛选高结实率的同源四倍体种系提供了理论依据。 突变体是遗传学研究的基本材料。利用突变体克隆水稻基因,并进而研究基因的生物学功能是水稻功能基因组学的重要研究内容。本课题组在多年的四倍体水稻育种研究中已获得多个低直链淀粉含量突变体，其中一些突变体在直链淀粉含量下降的同时，胚乳外观也发生了显著改变，呈半透明或不透明。同源四倍体水稻突变株D4063-1直链淀粉含量比来源二倍体明恢63下降一半,即其直链淀粉含量为5.23%。为研究其直链淀粉含量下降的原因，我们根据普通水稻Wx基因设计引物，扩增测序获得了D4063-1Wx基因的全序列，与已报道Wx基因进行比对分析；同源四倍体水稻D4063-1Wx基因最显著变化为在外显子序列中发生了碱基缺失，导致移码突变，在第9外显子终止密码子提前出现。D4063-1Wx基因碱基位点的变化还导致了其序列上的酶切位点的变化,对常用限制性内切酶位点分析分析结果表明同源四倍体水稻相对于籼稻和粳稻多了2个sph1酶切位点，相对于粳稻减少了6个Acc1，增加了4个Xba1，1个Xho1，1个Pst1和1个Sal1酶切位点。聚类分析表明D4063-1Wx基因序列与籼稻亲源关系较近，由此推测D4063-1Wx基因来源于籼稻的Wxa基因型。另外，根据D4063-1Wx基因的碱基差异，我们推测D4063-1Wx基因外显子碱基变化导致的RNA加工障碍是其直链淀粉降低的主要原因，并可能与其米饭较软等品质相关。本文还根据D4063-1和籼稻、粳稻的序列差异并根据D4063-1在该片段上的特征序列位点设计了用于识别D4063-1的寡核苷酸片段,并作为PCR反应的引物命名为AUT4063-1,将该引物与我们设计的扩增普通籼稻、粳稻的Wx基因引物F5配合使用建立了识别D4063-1的显性和共显性两种检测方式的分子标记,为快速、准确的鉴别低直链淀粉的D4063-1创造了条件。 研究同源四倍体水稻基因组的遗传差异，探索同源四倍体水稻的遗传规律，研究分裂期染色体行为特征与遗传性状稳定性的关系,旨在揭示四倍体水稻中同源染色体配对能力的遗传差异，为进一步选育多倍体水稻品种并将其应用于生产提供理论依据。 Autotetraploid rice (2N=4X=48, AAAA) is a new germplasm developed from diploid rice (2N=2X=24, AA) through chromosomes doubling with colchicines and is an excellent resource for desirable resistance genes to the pathogens and high protein content. Therefore, heterosis utilization on polyploidy is becoming a new strategy in rice breeding. At present, the main research on autotetraploid rice centralizes in China. Breeding effort has been made to improve autotetraploid rice genetically, however, the progresses are limited due to higher degree of divergence between hybrid sterility and polygenic nature. But to date, almost nothing is reported about the genetic diversity, original and genetic background of autotetraploid rice. Despite several reports on cytological analysis of the mechanisms of low seed set in autotetraploid rice still the results are inconclusive due to lack the statistical evaluation. Therefore, the study on the mechanisms of low seed set in autotetraploid is a priority for rice breeding. Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are the widely used marker for estimating genetic diversity in many species, including wild, weedy, and cultivated rice. In our research, genetic diversity and population genetic structure of autotetraploid and diploid populations collected from Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences were studied based on 36 microsatellite loci. For the total of 50 varieties, a moderate to high level of genetic diversity was observed at population levels with the number of alleles per locus (Ae) ranging from 2 to 6 (mean 3.028) and PIC ranging from 0.04 to 0.76 (mean 0.366). The expected heterozygosity (He) varied from 0.04 to 0.76 with the mean of 0.370 and Shannon’s index (I) ranging from 0.098 to 1.613 (mean 0.649). The autotetraploid populations showed a slightly higher level of effective alleles, the expected heterozygosity and Shannon’s index than that of diploid populations. Rare alleles were observed at most of the SSR loci in one or more of the 50 accessions and core fingerprint database of the autotetraploid and diploid rice was constructed. The F-statistics showed that genetic variability mainly existed among autotetraploid populations rather than among diploid populations (Fst=0.066). Cluster analysis of the 50 accessions showed four major groups. Group I contained all of the autotetraploid and diploid indica maintainer lines and a autotetraploid and its original diploid indica male sterile lines. Groups II contained only original of IR accessions. Group III was more diverse than either group II or IV and comprised of both autotetraploid and diploid indica restoring lines. Group IV included japonica cluster of the autotetraploid and diploid rices. Furthermore, genetic differences at the single-locus and two-locus levels, as well as components due to allelic and gametic differentiation, were revealed between autotetraploid and diploid varieties. This analysis indicated that the gene pools of diploid and autotetraploid rice are somewhat dissimilar, which made a variation that distinguishes autotetraploid from diploid rices. Using this variation, we can breed new autotetraploid varieties with some new important agricultural characters but the diploid rice has not. Cytogenetic characteristics in restorer lines DTP-4, DMinghui63 and maintainer line D46B of autotetraploid rices were studied. DTP-4, DMinghui63 and D46B showed the advantage of high seed set and biological yield. The meiotic chromosome behavior was slightly irregular in DTP-4, DMinghui63 and D46B. We observed less univalent, trivalent and multivalent at MI, but more bivalent and quadrivalent were observed. The most frequent chromosome configurations were 12II 6IVand 10II 7IV in restorer and maintainer lines, respectively. The quadrivalent frequency of DTP-4 and Dminghui63 at metaphase(MI) was respectively 2.00/PMC and 2.26/PMC. However that frequency of D46B was 6.00/PMC, which was greatly significantly higher than DTP-4 and Dminghui63. That indicates the maintainer D46B has better chromosome pairing capability in metaphase (MI). The frequency of lagging chromosomes of the maintainer D46B at anaphaseI (AI) was 10.62%, which was significantly lower than that of DTP-4(19.44%) and Dminghui63(23.14%) and nearly reaching the level of diploid CK(7.30%). In telophaseI (TI) maintainer D46B showed lower frequency of microkernel at TI and lower frequency of abnormal spores at telophaseII(TII). We also studied pollen fertility, seed set and cytogenetic characteristics of restorer lines and F1 hybrids of autotetraploid rice. DTP-4, DMinghui63, D46A´DTP-4 and D46A´DMinghui63 showed significantly higher pollen fertility and seed set than DShixiang and D46A´DShixiang. Pairing configurations in PMC of DTP-4, DMinghui63, DShixiang, D46A´DTP-4, D46A´DMinghui63 and D46A´DShixiang were 0.05 I+19.96 II (9.89 rod+10.07 ring)+0.01 III+2.20 IV, 0.11 I+19.17 II (8.90 rod+10.37 ring)+0.09 III+2.26 IV+0.01 VI, 1.33 I+9.46 II (4.50 rod+4.96 ring)+0.44 III+6.02 IV+0.09 VI+0.09 VIII, 0.02 I+14.36 II (6.44 rod+7.91 ring)+0.01 III+4.80 IV+0.01V III, 0.06 I+17.67 II (11.01 rod+6.67 ring)+0.06 III+3.10 IV+0.01 VI and 1.11 I+11.31 II (5.80 rod+5.51 ring)+0.41 III+5.63 IV+0.03 VI+0.03 VIII, respectively. Configuration 16 II+4 IV and 12 II+6 IV occurred in the highest frequency among the autotetraploid restorers and hybrids. Meiotic chromosome behaviors were less abnormal in the tetraploids with high seed set than those with low seed set. The hybrids had fewer frequencies of bivalents, univalents, trivalents and multivalents than the restorers, but higher frequency of quatrivalents than the restorers at MI. The frequency of univalents at M1 had the most impact on pollen fertility and seed set, i.e., pollen fertility decreased with the increase of univalents. The secondary impact factors were trivalents and multivalents, and bivalents and quatrivalents had no effect on pollen fertility and seed set. The correlative relationship between pollen fertility and cytogenetic behaviors could be utilized to improve seed set in autotetraploidy breeding. The amylose content of autotetraploid indica mutant Rice D4063-1 dropped by half than diploid Minghui 63, that is, its amylose content of 5.23%.The whole sequence of Waxy gene of D4063-1 is amplified and sequenced. And the discrepancy of bases is found comparing to the reported Waxy gene. The Waxy gene of autotetraploid Rice D4063-1 had a base deletion in exon sequence, which resulted frameshift mutation in exon 9 and termination codon occur early. The mutation of Wx also led to the change of some common restriction endonuclease sites. Results showed compared to indica and japonica, D4063-1 had two adding sph1 sites. Compared to japonica, D4063-1 had six decreasing Acc1, a adding Xho1, Pst1 and Sal1 restriction sites. Phylogeny analysis shows that the DNA sequence of Waxy gene of D4063-1 is closer to Indica, and we suppose that the Waxy gene of D4063-1 is origin from genotype Wxa. In addition, according to the base differences of Wx in D4063-1, we deduce that RNA processing obstacle led by base change of intron is the main cause to low the amylose content, and related to phenotype of its soft rice. Based on analysis of fragments of D4063-1, indica and japonica and according to the special point of the three species, primers as markers-AUT4063-I were designed for distinguishing the D4063-1 from other rice. Combining with primer pair F5, dominant and codominant ways were established for discriminating them., rapid and correct identification of D4063-1 from other rice could be done. The genetic analysis is important to ensure the original of autotetraploid rice, for maintaining the “distinctiveness” of autotetraploid varieties, and to differentiate between the various genetic background of autotetraploid rice. The autotetraploid breeding will benefit from detailed analysis of genetic diversity in the germplasm collections. Further investigation on mechanisms of meiotic stability should benefit polyploid breeding. These findings demonstrated opportunity to improve meiotic abnormalities as well as grain fertilities in autotetraploid rice.

同源四倍体水稻雌配子体发育特性及变异胚囊研究

通过秋水仙素诱导获得同源四倍体水稻10个株系，包括6个恢复系、3个保持系和1个不育系，这些株系具有加倍的染色体组。田间观察表明10个株系具有特殊的农艺性状：茎杆变粗壮、植株颜色加深、叶片变厚、叶宽适度增加、分蘖数减少、有效分蘖的比率下降等。根尖有丝分裂鉴定表明，同源四倍体水稻10个株系具有正常的有丝分裂，观察细胞的染色体数目皆为2n=48。花粉母细胞减数分裂鉴定表明10个株系具有比较理想的减数分裂行为，后期I染色体滞后、末期I微核生成和末期II异常小孢子比率较低，能较好的完成减数分裂过程，其中后期I染色体滞后比率约为10%-20%，末期I微核生成比率约为1%-6%，末期II异常小孢子比率约为1%-8%。这提示，染色体联合和分离不规则导致三价体、单价体 和落后染色体等产生，并进一步导致在后期和末期不均横分离产生异常小孢子，这可能是同源四倍体株系结实率不高的原因之一。 同源四倍体水稻正常胚囊为蓼型，变异胚囊具有多种类型，其比率显著高于二倍体对照，变化范围为39.62%－69.85%。按变异胚囊的结构特点和形成方式，分为四种类型：退化型，结构变异型，无融合生殖型和反足细胞增殖型。退化型胚囊的平均比率为29.17%，包括小胚囊（15.04%）和完全退化胚囊（14.13%），前者仍有较小胚囊腔而后者胚囊腔缺失。结构变异胚囊包括结构缺失、结构重复和位置异常，反映了蓼型胚囊八核七细胞结构的变异，其在各株系的平均比率为18.96%。无融合生殖胚囊发生比率极低，平均比率为1.77%，类型包括反足胚和卵细胞胚。反足细胞增殖胚囊是反足细胞团频繁增殖形成，伴随上述三种变异发生使异常胚囊的多样性进一步增加，其在各株系的平均比率为10.62%。相关分析表明，同源四倍体水稻结实可能主要来自三部分：正常胚囊、正常型小胚囊和反足细胞增殖型胚囊。这三种胚囊具有相对完整的蓼型结构，可能具有较好的育性，其对结实率的贡献程度估计值分别为72.44%、15.12%、12.44%。此外，完全退化型胚囊和位置异常型胚囊对结实率分别表现出显著（-0.66）和极显著（-0.92）的负相关，这表明二者可能是结实性的抑制因素。 Ten autotetraploid strains, which include six restoring lines, three maintaining lines and a sterile line, are derived from artificial induction by colchicine treatments. Variations of agronomical traits are observed which include large organs, sturdy plants, long panicle length and deep leaf color and so on. It has been confirmed that autotetraploid strains exhibit normal chromosome behaviors in mitosis and the chromosome numbers are all 48. Moreover, abnormal chromosome behaviors are investigated in meiosis including univalent, trivalent, quatrivalent, chromosome lagging and microkernel and so on. It evaluates that the percentage of chromosome lagging in anaphase I is about 10%-20%, the percentage of microkernel in telophase I is about 1%-6% and the percentage of abnormal microspore in telophase II is about 1%-8%. In all, abnormal behaviors of chromosomes could induce univalent, trivalent and et al. and subsequently induce infertile microspore. That may be one of the causes of low seed sets in autotetraploid strains. Embryo sacs of autotetraploid strains are formed according to the Polygonum type. However, these strains exhibit variations of abnormal embryo sacs at high frequencies (39.62% - 69.85%). The variations are frequently involved in the spikelets of the main panicles and the first tillers, leading to obvious decreases of the percentages of normal embryo sacs among the strains. Four types of abnormal embryo sacs are classified basing on their different structures and origins: degenerated embryo sac (DES), structure variation (SV), apomixis (Apo) and antipodal cell proliferation (ACP). Embryo sacs of DES (29.17%) exhibit small embryo sacs (15.04%) or no embryo sac (14.13%), the former showing embryo sacs with decreased size and the latter showing no sac. Embryo sacs of AS (18.96%) include three subtypes: structure deletion, structure duplication and location variation, which suggests abnormalities of the eight nuclei, seven celled pattern of the Polygonum type. Embryo sacs of Apo (only 1.77%) include two origins of apomictic embryos: antipodal embryo and egg embryo. Embryo sacs of ACP are observed frequently (10.62%) in autotetraploid strains which subsequently increase the variations of abnormal embryo sacs. It evaluates by the Pearson’s correlation analysis that seed set is probably contributed by three origins of embryo sacs: normal embryo sacs, small embryo sacs (normal pattern) and embryo sacs of ACP. These three origins exhibit comparatively good structure of the Polygonum type and could account for seed set at a percentage of 72.44%, 15.12%, 12.44%, respectively. Moreover, the subtype of no embryo sac (NES) negatively related to seed set at the P>0.01 level (-0.92) and the subtype of location variation (LV) negatively related to seed set at the P>0.05 level (-0.66). Which suggest the two subtypes may have strong stress on seed set.

Prematurely condensed chromosome fragments in human lymphocytes induced by high doses of high-linear-energy-transfer irradiation

This study provides a useful biodosimetry protocol for radiation accidents that involve high doses of heavy particle radiation. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were irradiated in vitro with high doses (5–50 Gy) of charged heavy-ion particles (carbon ions, at an effective linear-energy-transfer (LET) of 34.6 keV/ m), and were then stimulated to obtain dividing cells. PBLs were treated with 100nMcalyculin A to force chromosomes to condense prematurely, and chromosome spreads were obtained and stained with Giemsa. The G2 prematurely condensed chromosome (G2-PCC) index and the number of G2-PCC including fragments (G2-PCC-Fs) per cell for each radiation dose point were scored. Dose-effect relationships were obtained by plotting the G2-PCC indices or G2-PCC-Fs numbers against radiation doses. The G2-PCC index was greater than 5% up to doses of 15 Gy; even after a 30Gy radiation dose, the index was 1 to 2%. At doses higher than 30 Gy, however, the G2-PCC indices were close to zero. The number of G2-PCC-Fs increased steeply for radiation doses up to 30 Gy at a rate of 1.07 Gy−1. At doses higher than 30 Gy, the numbers of G2-PCC-Fs could not be accurately indexed because of the limited numbers of cells for analysis. Therefore, the number of G2-PCC-Fs could be used to estimate radiation doses up to 30 Gy. In addition, a G2-PCC index close to zero could be used as an indicator for radiation doses greater than 40 Gy.

A method on theoretical simulation of chromosome breaks in cells exposed to heavy ions

Background. The aim of this study is to assess an easy and quick method on simulating chromosome breaks in cells exposed to heavy charged particles. Methods. The theoretical value of chromosome break was calculated, and the validated comparison with the experimental value by using a premature chromosome condensation technique was done. Results. A good consistence was found to be appeared between the theoretical and experimental value. Conclusions. This suggested that a higher relative biological effectiveness of heavy ions was closely correlated with its physical characteristics and besides, a safe approach on predicting chromosome breaks in cells exposed to heavy ions at off-line environment come to be considered. Furthermore, three key factors influencing the theoretical simulation was investigated and discussed.

Comparison of clonogenic assay with premature chromosome condensation assay in prediction of human cell radiosensitivity

Aim: To determine whether the number of non-rejoining G2-chromatid breaks can predict the radiosensitivity of human cell lines. Methods: Cell lines of human ovary carcinoma cells (HO8910), human hepatoma cells (HepG2) and liver cells (L02) were irradiated with a range of doses and assessed both of cell survival and non-rejoining G2-chromatid breaks at 24 h after irradiation. Cell survival was documented by a colony assay. Non-rejoining G2-chromatid breaks were measured by counting the number of non-rejoining G2 chromatid breaks at 24 h after irradiation, detected by the prematurely chromosome condensed (PCC) technique. Results: A linear-quadratic survival curve was observed in three cell lines, and HepG2 was the most sensitive to gamma-radiation. A dose-dependent linear increase was observed in radiation-induced non-rejoining G2-PCC breaks measured at 24 h after irradiation in all cell lines, and HepG2 was the most susceptible to induction of non-rejoining G2-PCC breaks. A close correlation was found between the clonogenic radiosensitivity and the radiation-induced non-rejoining G2-PCC breaks (r=0.923). Furthermore, survival-aberration correlations for two or more than two doses lever were also significant. Conclusion: The number of non-rejoining G2 PCC breaks holds considerable promise for predicting the radiosensitivity of normal and tumor cells when two or more than two doses lever is tested.

Effect of gamma-ray radiation on physiological, morphological characters and chromosome aberrations of minitubers in Solanum tuberosum L.

Purpose: To investigate the effects of gamma-ray radiation on the physiological, morphological characters and chromosome aberrations of minitubers. Materials and methods: Minitubers of one potato cultivar, 'Shepody', were irradiated with 8 doses of gamma-rays (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 Gy [Gray]) to investigate the effects of radiation on emergence ability, plant height and root length, morphological variations, chromosome aberrations, M-1 (first generation mutants) tuber number and size of minituber plants. Results: Compared with the non-irradiated controls, the whole period of emergence was prolonged by 10-15 days for minitubers treated with gamma-ray radiation, but low doses of radiation (10, 20 and 30 Gy) promoted the emergence percentage of minitubers. With an increase in radiation dose, the emergence percentage, plant height and root length of minituber plants were significantly inhibited at 40 and 50 Gy. No emergence occurred at 60 Gy and higher doses. After radiation, a series of morphological variations and chromosome aberrations appeared in minituber plants. Radiation with 20 Gy promoted tuber formation, and the average number and diameter of M-1 tubers per plant were significantly increased over the control by 71% and 34%, respectively. Conclusion: Low doses of radiation (10-30 Gy) might be used as a valuable parameter to study the improvement of minitubers by gamma-ray radiation treatment.

Differences in the rDNA-bearing chromosome divide the Asian-Pacific and Atlantic species of Crassostrea (Bivalvia, Mollusca)

Karyotype and chromosomal location of the major ribosomal RNA genes (rDNA) were studied using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in five species of Crassostrea: three Asian-Pacific species (C. gigas, C. plicatula, and C. ariakensis) and two Atlantic species (C. virginica and C. rhizophorae). FISH probes were made by PCR amplification of the intergenic transcribed spacer between the 18S and 5.8S rRNA genes, and labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP. All five species had a haploid number of 10 chromosomes. The Atlantic species had 1-2 submetacentric chromosomes, while the three Pacific species had none. FISH with metaphase chromosomes detected a single telomeric locus for rDNA in all five species without any variation. In all three Pacific species, rDNA was located on the long arm of Chromosome 10 (10q)-the smallest chromosome. In the two Atlantic species, rDNA was located on the short arm of Chromosome 2 (2p)-the second longest chromosome. A review of other studies reveals the same distribution of NOR sites (putative rDNA loci) in three other species: on 10q in C. sikamea and C. angulata from the Pacific Ocean and on 2p in C. gasar from the western Atlantic. All data support the conclusion that differences in size and shape of the rDNA-bearing chromosome represent a major divide between Asian-Pacific and Atlantic species of Crassostrea. This finding suggests that chromosomal divergence can occur under seemingly conserved karyotypes and may play a role in reproductive isolation and speciation.

Chromosomal localization and molecular marker development of the lipopolysaccharide and beta-1,3-glucan binding protein gene in the Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri (Jones et Preston) (Pectinoida, Pectinidae)

Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri(Jones et Preston) is an economically important species in China. Understanding its immune system would be of great help in controlling diseases. In the present study, an important immunity-related gene, the Lipopolysaccharide and Beta-1,3-glucan Binding Protein (LGBP) gene, was located on C. farreri chromosomes by mapping several lgbp-containing BAC clones through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Through the localization of various BAC clones, it was shown that only one locus of this gene existed in the genome of C. farreri, and that this was located on the long arm of a pair of homologous chromosomes. Molecular markers, consisting of eight single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) markers and one insertion-deletion (indel), were developed from the LGBP gene. Indel marker testing in an F1 family revealed slightly distorted segregation (p = 0.0472). These markers can be used to map the LGBP gene to the linkage map and assign the linkage group to the corresponding chromosome. Segregation distortion of the indel marker indicated genes with deleterious alleles might exist in the surrounding region of the LGBP gene.

Construction and characterization of a bacterial artificial chromosome library of marine macroalga Porphyra yezoensis (Rhodophyta)

A large-DNA-fragment library is necessary for research into the Porphyra genome. In this study, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of Porphyra yezoensis was constructed and characterized. The library contains 54,144 BAC clones with an average insert size of about 65 kb and fewer than 0.7% of clones without large inserts. Therefore, its capacity is more than 6.6 P. yezoensis genome equivalents, and the probability of recovering any nuclear DNA sequence from the library is higher than 99%. The library shows good fidelity and stability. A putative trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) gene was successfully screened out from the library. The above results show that the library is useful for gene cloning and genomic research in P. yezoensis.

Construction and characterization of a live, attenuated esrB mutant of Edwardsiella tarda and its potential as a vaccine against the haemorrhagic septicaemia in turbot, Scophthamus maximus (L.)

The esrB gene of Edwardsiella tarda, which encodes a regulator protein of the type III secretion system, was mutated by the unmarked deletion method and reintroduced by allelic exchange into the chromosome of E. tarda LSE40 by means of the suicide vector pRE 112. The LSE40 esrB mutant was highly attenuated when inoculated intraperitoneally into turbot Scophthamus maximus L., showing a 50% lethal dose of 10(8.1) cfu/fish. The esrB mutants were not recoverable from the internal organs at 14 days post-inoculation. Vaccination with a single dose of 10(5)-10(7) cfu/fish of the esrB mutant elicited significant protection against the wildtype strain of E. tarda LSE40 (relative percentage survival > 50%). The protection correlated well with the antibody titres in the serum of vaccinated fish. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Construction and characterization of two bacterial artificial chromosome libraries of Zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri Jones et Preston, and identification of BAC clones containing the genes involved in its innate immune system

Large-insert bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries are necessary for advanced genetics and genomics research. To facilitate gene cloning and characterization, genome analysis, and physical mapping of scallop, two BAC libraries were constructed from nuclear DNA of Zhikong scallop, Chlamys farreri Jones et Preston. The libraries were constructed in the BamHI and MboI sites of the vector pECBAC1, respectively. The BamHI library consists of 73,728 clones, and approximately 99% of the clones contain scallop nuclear DNA inserts with an average size of 110 kb, covering 8.0x haploid genome equivalents. Similarly, the MboI library consists of 7680 clones, with an average insert of 145 kb and no insert-empty clones, thus providing a genome coverage of 1.1x. The combined libraries collectively contain a total of 81,408 BAC clones arrayed in 212 384-well microtiter plates, representing 9.1x haploid genome equivalents and having a probability of greater than 99% of discovering at least one positive clone with a single-copy sequence. High-density clone filters prepared from a subset of the two libraries were screened with nine pairs of Overgos designed from the cDNA or DNA sequences of six genes involved in the innate immune system of mollusks. Positive clones were identified for every gene, with an average of 5.3 BAC clones per gene probe. These results suggest that the two scallop BAC libraries provide useful tools for gene cloning, genome physical mapping, and large-scale sequencing in the species.

Construction of bacterial artificial chromosome libraries for Zhikong Scallop Chlamys farreri

Two Large-insert genomic bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries of Zhikong scallop Chlamys farreri were constructed to promote our genetic and genomic research. High-quality megabase-sized DNA was isolated from the adductor muscle of the scallop and partially digested by BamH I and Mbo I, respectively. The BamH I library consisted of 53 760 clones while the Mbo I library consisted of 7 680clones. Approximately 96 % of the clones in BamH I library contained nuclear DNA inserts in average size of 100 kb, providing a coverage of 5.3 haploid genome equivalents. Similarly, the Mbo I library with an average insert of 145 kb and no insert-empty clones, thus providing a genome coverage of 1.1 haploid genome equivalents.

Chromosome inheritance in triploid Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas thunberg

Reproduction and chromosome inheritance in triploid Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) were studied in diploid female x triploid male (DT) and reciprocal (TD) crosses. Relative fecundity of triploid females was 13.4% of normal diploids. Cumulative survival from fertilized eggs to spat stage was 0.007% for DT crosses and 0.314% for TD crosses. Chromosome number analysis was conducted on surviving progeny from DT and TD crosses at 1 and 4 years of age. At Year 1, oysters from DT crosses consisted of 15% diploids (2n = 20) and 85% aneuploids. In contrast, oysters from TD crosses consisted of 57.2% diploids, 30.9% triploids (3n = 30) and only 11.9% aneuploids, suggesting that triploid females produced more euploid gametes and viable progeny than triploid males. Viable aneuploid chromosome numbers included 2n + 1, 2n + 2, 2n + 3, 3n - 2 and 3n - 1. There was little change over time in the overall frequency of diploids, triploids and aneuploids. Among aneuploids, oysters with 2n + 3 and 3n-2 chromosomes were observed at Year 1, but absent at Year 4. Triploid progeny were significantly larger than diploids by 79% in whole body weight and 98% in meat weight at 4 years of age. Aneuploids were significantly smaller than normal diploids. This study suggests that triploid Pacific oyster is not completely sterile and cannot offer complete containment of cultured populations.