Expression regulation and functional characterization of a novel interferon inducible gene Gig2 and its promoter

Grass carp hemorrhagic virus (GCHV)-induced gene 2 (Gig2) is a novel gene previously identified from UV-inactivated GCHV-treated Carassius auratus blastulae embryonic (CAB) cells, suggesting that it should play a pivotal role in the interferon (IFN) antiviral response. In this study, a polyclonal anti-Gig2 antiserum was generated and used to study the inductive expression pattern by Western blot analysis, showing no basal expression in normal CAB cells but a significant up-regulation upon UV-inactivated GCHV, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly I:Q and recombinant IFN (rIFN). However, constitutive expression of Gig2 is observed in all tested tissues from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus), and Poly I:C injection increases the relative amount of Gig2 protein in skin, spleen, trunk kidney, gill, hindgut and thymus. Moreover, the genomic sequence covering the whole Gig2 ORF and the upstream promoter region were amplified by genomic walking. Significantly, the Gig2 promoter contains three IFN-stimulated response elements (ISREs), nine GAAA/TfTC motifs and five gamma-IFN activating sites (GAS), which are the characteristics of genes responsive to both type I IFN and type 11 IFN. Subsequently, the complete Gig2 promoter sequence was cloned into pGL3-Basic vector, and its activity was measured by luciferase assays in the transfected CAB cells. The Gig2 promoter-driven construct is highly induced in CAB cells after treatment with Poly I:C or rIFN, and the functional capability is dependent on IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), because its activity can be stimulated by IRF7. Collectively, the data provide strong evidence that Gig2 is indeed a novel IFN inducible gene and its expression is likely dependent on IRF7 upon Poly I:C or IFN. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Metallothionein-2 gene from the mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi: cDNA cloning, tissue expression, and immunohistochemical localization

The metallothionein-2 (MT-2) gene was isolated from the mandarin fish, one of the most important industrial aquatic animals in China, by using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The deduced amino acid sequence of MT-2 comprised 60 amino acids and showed approximately 62.3% identity to human metallothionein. Its promoter region was amplified by thermal asymmetric interlaced polymerase chain reaction (TAIL-PCR). The MT-2 gene consists of 3 exons and 2 introns, extending approximately 900 bp of genomic sequence. Phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated that MT-2 formed a clade with fish metallothionein. The promoter region contained 5 putative metal-regulatory elements (MREs) and 1 TATA box. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that MT-2 transcripts were significantly increased in the brain and gills and were stable in the muscles, liver, and trunk kidney in Cd2+-stimulated fish. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the protein of the MT-2 gene was expressed mainly in the gills, liver, heart, trunk kidney, muscle, and intestine; it was weakly detected in the brain and head kidney. Moreover, the MT-2 protein was immunohistochemically detected in the cytoplasm in the liver and trunk kidney. All the above results revealed that the mandarin fish MT-2 would be a useful biomarker for metal pollution. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Cloning, characterization and expression analysis of SIMP (source of immunodominant MHC-associated peptides) in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

SIMP (source of immunodominant MHC-associated peptides) plays a key rote in N-linked glycosylation with the active site of oligosaccharyltransferase, being the source of MHC-peptides in the MHC I presentation pathway. In the present study, the SIMP gene has been cloned from grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full length of the cDNA sequence is 4384 bp, including a 1117 bp 5' UTR (untranslated region), a 2418 bp open reading frame, and a 849 bp 3' UTR. The deduced amino acids of the grass carp SIMP (gcSIMP) are a highly conserved protein with a STT3 domain and 11 transmembrane regions. The gcSIMP spans over more than 24,212 bp in length, containing 16 exons and 15 introns. Most encoding exons, except the first and the 15th, have the same length as those in human and mouse. The gcSIMP promoter contains many putative transcription factor binding sites, such as Oct-1, GCN4, YY1, Sp1, Palpha, TBP, GATA-1, C/EBP beta, and five C/EBP alpha binding sites. The mRNA expression of gcSIMP in different organs was examined by real-time PCR. The gcSIMP was distributed in all the organs examined, with the highest level in brain, followed by the level in the heart, liver, gill, trunk kidney, muscle, head kidney, thymus, and the lowest level in spleen. Furthermore, the recombinant gcSIMP has been constructed successfully and expressed in Escherichia coli by using pQE-40 vector, and the polyclonal antibody for rabbit has been successfully obtained, which was verified to be specific. Identification of gcSIMP will help to explore the function in fish innate immunity. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and expression analysis of TNFR-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

TNF receptor associated factor 1 (TRAF1) plays an important role in regulating the TNF signaling and protecting cells from apoptosis. In the present study, a TRAF1 gene has been cloned from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length cDNA is 2235 bp, including a 250 bp 5' UTR (untranslated region), a 1659 bp open reading frame, and a 326 bp 3'UTR. The polyadenylation signal (AATAAA, AATAA) and one mRNA instability motif (AUUUA) were found followed by a poly (A) tail in the 3'UTR. No signal peptide or transmembrane region has been found in the putative amino acids of grass carp TRAF1 (gcTRAF1). The putative amino acids of gcTRAF1 share 72% identity with the homologue in zebrafish. It is characterized by a zinc finger at the N-terminus and a TRAF domain (contains one TRAF-C and one TRAF-N) at the C-terminus. The identity of the TRAF domain among all the TRAF1 homologues in vertebrates varies from 52% to 58%, while the identities of TRAF-C were almost the same as 70%. The recombinant gcTRAF1 has been constructed successfully and expressed in Escherichia coli by using pET-32a expression vector. The polyclonal antibody for rabbit has been successfully obtained. The expression of gcTRAF1 in different organs was examined by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. It was widely distributed in heart, head kidney, thymus, brain, gill, liver, spleen, and trunk kidney. This is the first report of TRAF1 homologue molecule found in fish. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Molecular identification and expression analysis of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) is a crucial component of almost the entire tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily signaling pathway. In the present study, a TRAF2 gene has been cloned from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length cDNA is 3162 bp, including a 60 bp 5' untranslated region (UTR), a 1611 bp open reading frame, and a 1491 bp 3' UTR. The polyadenylation signal (AATAAA) and the mRNA instability motifs (ATTTTA, ATTTA) were followed by a poly(A) tail in the 3' UTR. No signal peptide or transmembrane region has been found in the putative amino acids of grass carp TRAF2 (gcTRAF2). Phylogenetic tree analysis clearly showed that gcTRAF2 is nearest to the TRAF2 gene of goldfish. The identity of gcTRAF2 with its homologs in other vertebrates ranges from 56% to 97%. It is characterized by one RING-type signature at the N-terminus, one zinc finger in the middle part, and one conserved TRAF domain consisting of a C-proximal (TRAF-C) subdomain and a N-proximal (TRAF-N) subdomain. The identity of TRAF-C among all TRAF2 homologs in vertebrates varies from 78% to 97%, whereas the identity of TRAF-N ranges from 56% to 100%. The recombinant gcTRAF2 has been expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-32a expression vector. The rabbit anti-gcTRAF2 polyclonal antibody was obtained. The expression of gcTRAF2 in different organs was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. It was widely distributed in heart, head kidney, thymus, brain, gill, liver, spleen, and trunk kidney. This is the first report of a TRAF2 homolog molecule in fish.

Intelectin gene from the grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella: cDNA cloning, tissue expression, and immunohistochemical localization

The cDNA encoding grass carp intelectin was isolated from a head kidney cDNA library, and termed gcIntL. The deduced amino acid sequence of gcIntL consists of 318 amino acids, and about 55% identical and 74% similar to human intelectin, which is a new type of lectin recognizing galactofuranose, and plays a role in the recognition of bacteria-specific components in animal hosts. The gcIntL gene consists of seven exons and six introns, spacing over approximately 3 kb of genomic sequence. Phylogenetic analysis clearly demonstrated that the gcIntL formed a clade with Danio rerio intelectin and 35 kDa serum lectin. By real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis, gcIntL transcripts were significantly induced in head kidney, trunk kidney, spleen, and intestine from LPS-stimulated fish. RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis demonstrated that the mRNA and protein of gcIntL gene have the same expression pattern, and both were detected in brain, gill, intestine, head kidney, trunk kidney, spleen, and heart. Furthermore, gcIntL protein could be detected in gill, intestine, trunk kidney, head kidney, spleen, heart, and brain including medulla oblongata and optic lobe, as determined by immunohistochemistry. This is the first report of intelectin expression pattern in fish, and of recombinant gcIntL and polyclonal antibody against gcIntL. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization and expression analysis of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella

TRAIL (Apo2 ligand) described as a type II transmembrame protein belonging to the TNF superfamily can induce apoptotic cell death in a variety of cell types. In the present study, a putative cDNA sequence encoding the 299 amino acids of TRAIL (GC-TRAIL) and its genomic organization were identified in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. The predicted GC-TRAIL sequence showed 44 and 41% identities to chicken and human TRAILs, respectively. In a domain search, a tumor necrosis factor homology domain (THD) was identified in the C-terminal portion of TRAILs. The GC-TRAIL gene consists of five exons, with four intervening introns, spaced over approximately 4 kb of genomic sequence. Analysis of GC-TRAlL promoter region revealed the presence of a number of putative transcription factor binding sites, such as Sp1, NF-kappaB, AP-1, GATA, NFAT, HNF, STAT, P53 and IRFI sequences which are important for the expression of other TNF family members. Phylogenetic analysis placed GC-TRAIL and the putative zebrafish (Danio rerio) TRAIL obtained from searching the zebrafish database into one separate cluster near mammalian TRAIL genes, but apart from the reported zebrafish TRAIL-like protein, indicating that the GC-TRAIL is an authentic fish TRAIL. Expression analysis revealed that GC-TRAIL is expressed in many tissues, such as in gills, liver, trunk kidney, head kidney, intestine and spleen. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

InP-based optoelectronic devices for optical fiber communications

In this contribution we report the research and development of 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP gain-coupled DFB laser with an improved injection-carrier induced grating and of high performance 1.3 mu m and 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP FP and DFB lasers for communications. Long wavelength strained MQW laser diodes with a very low threshold current (7-10 mA) have been fabricated. Low pressure MOVPE technology has been employed for the preparation of the layered structure. A novel gain-coupled DFB laser structure with an improved injection-carrier modulated grating has been proposed and fabricated. The laser structures have been prepared by hybrid growth of MOVPE and LPE techniques and reasonably good characteristics have been achieved for resultant lasers. High performance 1.3 mu m and 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP DFB lasers have successfully been developed for CATV and trunk line optical fiber communication.

乔木蒸腾耗水量研究方法述评与展望

参阅了大量国内外有关乔木蒸腾研究方法文献,认为乔木蒸腾量研究方法主要有二大类,即组织器官测定、单木测定;分类对典型研究方法(快速称重法、气孔计法、整株容器称重法、同位素示踪法、热脉冲法、树干热平衡法、热扩散探针法)进行了述评,对比分析了各种方法间的优缺点及其适用范围;展望了乔木蒸腾耗水作用研究方法的应用前景,认为热技术法是未来几年内的主要测定方法。

InP-based optoelectronic devices for optical fiber communications

In this contribution we report the research and development of 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP gain-coupled DFB laser with an improved injection-carrier induced grating and of high performance 1.3 mu m and 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP FP and DFB lasers for communications. Long wavelength strained MQW laser diodes with a very low threshold current (7-10 mA) have been fabricated. Low pressure MOVPE technology has been employed for the preparation of the layered structure. A novel gain-coupled DFB laser structure with an improved injection-carrier modulated grating has been proposed and fabricated. The laser structures have been prepared by hybrid growth of MOVPE and LPE techniques and reasonably good characteristics have been achieved for resultant lasers. High performance 1.3 mu m and 1.55 mu m InGaAsP/InP DFB lasers have successfully been developed for CATV and trunk line optical fiber communication.

浑太流域洪涝灾害及其治理方略

Hunhe, Taizihe rivers originating from the east mountain areas of Liaoning Province are the biggest tributaries of the left bank of Liaohe River. From the initial stage of New China to the early 1990s, the frequency of flood damage had decreased, but recently the disasters have upgraded and changed from trunk stream to tributary basins. In July 1995, Dongzhouhe, a tributary of Hunhe River, suffered from a heaviest flood since establishing the document of floods in Hunhe basin. Meanwhile, a peak discharge, almost beyond double defending ability, occurred at Dadongshanpu Station of Beishahe River, a tributary of Taizihe River. Besides the continued heavy rainstorm, no controllable water conservancy projects and ecological damages caused by quickly decreasing forest cover and water and soil loss are the two main causes of flood damage. In addition, the low flood protection standard is also one of causes. According to the above analyses, some strategies of synthetic controlling for flood damages were put forward: 1) Establishing the system of ecological engineering to defend floods and reduce disasters; 2)Setting up storage and detention areas; 3) Establishing flood controlling information system; 4) Improving the accuracy of media short period and short period rainstorm forecast and flood forecast; 5) Insurance of flood protection.

子午岭森林群落土壤水分与生物量关系研究

通过对黄土丘陵区子午岭北部山杨林、白桦林、油松林和辽东栎林植被群落特征的分析,研究了植被演替过程中土壤水分和生物量的变化及其相互关系。结果表明,在植被正向演替过程中,土壤含水量随植被正向演替而逐渐减少,土壤含水量的大小顺序依次为山杨>白桦>油松>辽东栎;土壤含水量对树枝和树干生物量的影响较大,立地条件致使各林分地上生物量发生明显变化;在林龄差距不大的条件下各林分平均单株生物量的大小关系为辽东栎>白桦>山杨>油松。

中国多孔菌一新记录属——细长孔菌属

Leptoporus and Leptoporus mollis are newly reported from China, and the species was found on fallen trunk of Picea in Fenglin Nature Reserve of southeastern Heilongjiang Province. The illustrated description of the species is given according to the Chinese material. The distribution and ecology of the species are briefly discussed.

Cloning and expression analysis of myogenin from flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and promoter analysis of muscle-specific expression

Myogenin is a bHLH transcription factor of the MyoD family. It plays a crucial role in myoblast differentiation and maturation. We report here the isolation of flounder myogenin gene and the characterization of its expression patterns. Sequence analysis indicated that flounder myogenin shared a similar structure and the conserved bHLH domain with other vertebrate myogenin genes. Flounder myogenin gene contains 3 exons and 2 introns. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic showed that flounder myogenin was more homologous with halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) myogenin and striped bass (Morone saxatilis) myogenin. Whole-mount embryo in situ hybridization revealed that flounder myogenin was first detected in the medial region of somites that give rise to slow muscles, and expanded later to the lateral region of the somite that become fast muscles. The levels of myogenin transcripts dropped significantly in matured somites at the trunk region. Its expression could only be detected in the caudal somites, which was consistent with the timing of somite maturation. Transient expression analysis showed that the 546 bp flounder myogenin promoter was sufficient to direct muscle-specific GFP expression in zebrafish embryos. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.