Identification of Prorocentrum minimum and Takayama pulchella by fluorescence in situ hybridization through epifluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry

Partial rDNA sequences of Prorocentrum minimum and Takayama pulchella were amplified, cloned and sequenced. and these sequence data were deposited in the GenBank. Eight oligonucleotide probes (DNA probes) were designed based on the sequence analysis. The probes were employed to detect and identify P. minimum and T. pulchella in unialgal and mixed algal samples with a fluorescence in situ hybridization method using flow cytometry. Epifluorescence micrographs showed that these specific probes labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate entered the algal cells and bound to target sequences, and the fluorescence signal resulting from whole-cell hybridization varied from probe to probe. These DNA probes and the hybridization protocol we developed were specific and effective for P. minimum and T. pulchella, without any specific binding to other algal species. The hybridization efficiency of different probes specific to P. minimum was in the order: PM18S02 > PM28S02 > PM28S01 > PM18S01, and that of the probes specific to T. pulchella was TP18S02 > TP28S01 > TP28S02 > TP18S01. The different hybridization efficiency of the DNA probes could also be shown in the fluorescent signals between the labeled and unlabeled cells demonstrated using flow cytometry. The DNA probes PM18S02, PM28S02; TP18S02 and TP28S01, and the protocol, were also useful for the detection of algae in natural samples.

Development of rRNA and rDNA-targeted probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization to detect Heterosigma akashiwo (Raphidophyceae)

Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) is a fragile, fish-killing alga. Efforts to understand and prevent blooms due to this harmful species to mitigate the impact on aquaculture require the development of methods for rapid and precise identification and quantification, so that adequate warning of a harmful algal bloom may be given. Here, we report the development and application of rRNA and rDNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to aid in the detection and enumeration of H. akashiwo. The designed probes were species specific, showing no cross-reactivity with four common HAB causative species: Prorocentrum micans Ehrenberg, P. minimum (Pavillard) Schiller, Alexandrium tarmarense (Lebour) Balech, and Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve, or with four other microalgae, including Gymnodinium sp. Stein, Platy-monas cordiformis (Karter) Korsch, Skeletonema sp.1 Greville and Skeletonema sp.2. The rRNA-targeted probe hybridized to cytoplasmic rRNA, showing strong green fluorescence throughout the whole cell, while cells labeled by rDNA-targeted probe exhibited exclusively fluorescent nucleus. The detection protocols were optimized and could be completed within an hour. For rRNA and rDNA probes, about a corresponding 80% and 70% of targeted cells could be identified and quantified during the whole growth circle, despite the inapparent variability in the average probe reactivity. The established FISH was proved promising for specific, rapid, precise, and quantitative detection of H. akashiwo. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chromosomal in situ hybridization of Cyprinus carpio genomic DNA repetitive sequence CR1

Common carp Cyprinus carpio genomic DNA repetitive sequence CR1 has been DIG-labeled and hybridized in situ against chromosomes of red common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. Xingguo red var.). It is found that the repetitive sequence CR1 is mainly localized at the centromeric regions of chromosomes of the red common carp, The application of the chromosomal in situ hybridization technique on fish and the relationship between CR1 repetitive sequence distribution and its function have been discussed.

A centromeric satellite sequence in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas Thunberg) identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization

A highly repetitive satellite sequence was previously identified in the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas Thunberg. The sequence has 168 bp per unit, present in tandem repeats, and accounts for 1% to 4% of the genome. We studied the chromosomal location of this satellite sequence by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), A probe was made by polymerase chain reaction and incorporation of digoxigenin-11-dUTP. Hybridization was detected with fluorescein-labeled antidigoxigenin antibodies. FISH signals were located at centromeric regions of 7 pairs of the Pacific oyster chromosomes. No interstitial site was found. Signals were strong and consistent on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, and 7, but weak or variable oil chromosomes 5, 8, and 10. No signal was observed on chromosomes 3, 6, and 9. Our results showed that this sequence is clearly a centromeric satellite, disputing its previous assignment to the telomeric and submetacentric regions of 2 chromosomes. No signal was detected in the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin).

Topographic changes in nascent and early mesoderm in amphioxus embryos studied by Dil labeling and by in situ hybridization for a Brachyury gene

In amphioxus embryos, the nascent and early mesoderm (including chorda-mesoderm) was visualized by expression of a Brachyury gene (AmBra-2). A band of mesoderm is first detected encircling the earliest (vegetal plate stage) gastrula sub-equatorially. Soon thereafter, the vegetal plate invaginates. resulting in a cap-shaped gastrula with the mesoderm localized at the blastoporal lip and completely encircling the blastopore. As the gastrula stage progresses, DiI (a vital dye) labeling demonstrates that the entire mesoderm is internalized by a slight involution of the epiblast into the hypoblast all around the perimeter of the blastopore. Subsequently. during the early neurula stage, the internalized mesoderm undergoes anterior extension mid-dorsally (as notochord) and dorsolaterally (in paraxial regions when segments will later form). By the late neurula stage, AmBra-2 is no longer transcribed throughout the mesoderm as a whole; instead. expression is detectable only in the posterior mesoderm and in the notochord, but not in par axial mesoderm where definitive somites have formed.

Isolation and mapping of telomeric pentanucleotide (TAACC)(n) repeats of the pacific whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, using fluorescence in situ hybridization

To develop genetic and physical maps for shrimp, accurate information on the actual number of chromosomes and a large number of genetic markers is needed. Previous reports have shown two different chromosome numbers for the Pacific whiteleg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei, the most important penaeid shrimp species cultured in the Western hemisphere. Preliminary results obtained by direct sequencing of clones from a Sau3A-digested genomic library of P. vannamei ovary identified a large number of (TAACC/GGTTA)-containing SSRs. The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the frequency of (TAACC)(n) repeats in 662 P. vannamei genomic clones that were directly sequenced, and perform homology searches of these clones, (2) confirm the number of chromosomes in testis of P. vannamei, and (3) localize the TAACC repeats in P. vannamei chromosome spreads using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results for objective I showed that 395 out of the 662 clones sequenced contained single or multiple SSRs with three or more repeat motifs, 199 of which contained variable tandem repeats of the pentanucleotide (TAACC/GGTTA),, with 3 to 14 copies per sequence. The frequency of (TAACC)n repeats in P. vannamei is 4.68 kb for SSRs with five or more repeat motifs. Sequence comparisons using the BLASTN nonredundant and expressed sequence tag (EST) databases indicated that most of the TAACC-containing clones were similar to either the core pentanucleotide repeat in PVPENTREP locus (GenBank accession no. X82619) or portions of 28S rRNA. Transposable elements (transposase for Tn1000 and reverse transcriptase family members), hypothetical or unnamed protein products, and genes of known function such as 18S and 28S rRNAs, heat shock protein 70, and thrombospondin were identified in non-TAACC-containing clones. For objective 2, the meiotic chromosome number of P. vannamei was confirmed as N = 44. For objective 3, four FISH probes (P1 to P4) containing different numbers of TAACC repeats produced positive signals on telomeres of P. vannamei chromosomes. A few chromosomes had positive signals interstitially. Probe signal strength and chromosome coverage differed in the general order of P1 > P2 > P3 > P4, which correlated with the length of TAACC repeats within the probes: 83, 66, 35, and 30 bp, respectively, suggesting that the TAACC repeats, and not the flanking sequences, produced the TAACC signals at chromosome ends and TAACC is likely the telomere sequence for P. vannamei.

Characterization of eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin) chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization with bacteriophage P1 clones

Chromosome identification is an essential step in genomic research, which so far has not been possible in oysters. We tested bacteriophage P1 clones for chromosomal identification in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). P1 clones were labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP using nick translation. Hybridization was detected with fluorescein-isothiocyanate-labeled anti-digoxigenin antibodies and amplified with 2 layers of antibodies. Nine of the 21 P1 clones tested produced clear and consistent FISH signals when Cot-1 DNA was used as a blocking agent against repetitive sequences. Karyotypic analysis and cohybridization positively assigned the 9 P1 clones to 7 chromosomes. The remaining 3 chromosomes can be separated by size and arm ratio. Five of the 9 P1 clones were sequenced at both ends, providing sequence-tagged sites that can be used to integrate linkage and cytogenetic maps. One sequence is part of the bone morphogenetic protein type 1b receptor, a member of the transforming growth factor superfamily, and mapped to the telomeric region of the long arm of chromosome 2. This study shows that large-insert clones such as P1 are useful as chromosome-specific FISH probes and for gene mapping in oysters.

Chromosomal mapping of 5S ribosomal RNA genes in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica gmelin by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Chromosomal location of the 5S ribosomal RNA gene was studied in the eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica Gmelin. using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from early embryos, and the FISH probe was made by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification of the 5S rRNA gene and labeled by incorporation of digoxigenin-1 1-dUTP during PCR. Hybridization was detected with fluorescein-labeled antidigoxigenin antibodies. Two pairs of FISH signals were observed on metaphase chromosomes. Karyotypic analysis showed that the 5S rRNA gene cluster is interstitially located on short arms of chromosomes 5 and 6. On chromosome 5, the 5S rRNA genes were located immediately next to the centromere, whereas on chromosome 6, they were located approximately half way between the telomere and the centromere. Chromosomes of C. virginica are difficult to identify because of their similarities in size and arm ratio, and the chromosomal location of 5S rRNA genes provides unambiguous identification of chromosomes 5 and 6. Previous studies have mapped the major rRNA gene cluster (18S-5.8S-28S) to chromosome 2. and this study shows that the 5S rRNA gene cluster is not linked to the major rRNA genes and duplicated during evolution.

Chromosomal mapping of major ribosomal rRNA genes in the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) using fluorescence in situ hybridization

Karyotype and chromosomal location of the major ribosomal RNA genes were studied in the hard clam (Mercenaria mercenaria Linnaeus) using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Metaphase chromosomes were obtained from early embryos. Internal transcribed spacers (ITS) between major RNA genes were amplified and used as FISH probes. The probes were labeled with digoxigenin-11-dUTP by polymerase chain reaction and detected with fluorescein-labeled anti-digoxigenin antibodies. FISH with the ITS probes produced two to four signals per nucleus or metaphase. M. mercenaria had a haploid number of 19 chromosomes with a karyotype of seven metacentric, four metacentric or submetacentric, seven submetacentric, and one submetacentric or subtelocentric chromosomes (7M + 4M/SM + 7SM + 1SM/ST). Two ITS loci were observed: one located near the centromere on the long arm of Chromosome 10 and the other at the telomere of the short arm of Chromosome 12. FISH signals on Chromosome 10 are strong and consistent, while signals on Chromosome 12 are variable. This study provides the first karyotype and chromosomal assignment of the major RNA genes in M. mercenaria. Similar studies in a wide range of species are needed to understand the role of chromosomal changes in bivalve evolution.

Genome constitutions of Hystrix patula, H-duthiei ssp duthiei and H-duthiei ssp longearistata (Poaceae : Triticeae) revealed by meiotic pairing behavior and genomic in-situ hybridization

Genomic constitutions of three taxa of Hystrix Moench, H. patula, H. duthiei ssp. duthiei and H. duthiei ssp. longearistata, were examined by meiotic pairing behavior and genomic in-situ hybridization. Meiotic pairing in hybrids of H. patula x Pseudoroegneria spicata (St), H. patula x Elymus wawawaiensis (StH), H. patula x H. duthiei ssp. longearistata, H. patula x Psathyrostachys huashanica (Ns(h)), H. duthiei ssp. duthiei x Psa. huashanica, H. duthiei ssp. longearistata x Psa. huashanica, Leymus multicaulis (NsXm) x H. duthiei ssp. longearistata averaged 6.53, 12.83, 1.32, 0.29, 5.18, 5.11 and 10.47 bivalents per cell, respectively. The results indicate that H. patula has the StH genome and H. duthiei ssp. duthiei and H. duthiei ssp. longearistata have the NsXm genome. Results of genomic in-situ hybridization analysis strongly supported the chromosome pairing data; therefore it is concluded that the type species of Hystrix, H. patula, should be included in Elymus, and that H. duthiei ssp. duthiei and H. duthiei ssp. longearistata should be transferred to Leymus.

Identification of genome organization in the unusual allotetraploid form of Carassius auratus gibelio

The unusual allotetraploid form with unequal contribution of chromosome sets was discovered from the gynogenetic offspring of Carassius auratus gibelio stimulated by red common carp sperm. In this study, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 45S rDNA probe are used. The GISH results lead to the identification of species-specific chromosomes, which permits to demonstrate the origin and genome organization in the allotetraploid form. Moreover, chromosome localization of 45S rDNA and co-localizations of 45S rDNA and Cyprinus carpio genomic DNA further confirm that one extra 45S rDNA positive chromosome in the allotetraploid form originates from the paternal haploid genome of C carpio, and other 5 45S rDNA-containing chromosomes are from the maternal genome of Carassius auratus gibelio. And, the correlation between 45 rDNA and the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) is confirmed by silver nitrate staining. The data provide direct experiment evidence that the allotetraploid actually contains three chromosome sets of Carassius auratus gibelio and one chromosome set of C carpio, and will be a useful genetic material for both basic research and breeding practice. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Defining the orientation of the tandem fusions that occurred during the evolution of Indian muntjac chromosomes by BAC mapping

The Indian muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak vaginalis) has a karyotype of 2n=6 in the female and 7 in the male, the karyotypic evolution of which through extensive tandem fusions and several centric fusions has been well-documented by recent molecular cytogenetic studies. In an attempt to define the fusion orientations of conserved chromosomal segments and the molecular mechanisms underlying the tandem fusions, we have constructed a highly redundant (more than six times of whole genome coverage) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library of Indian muntjac. The BAC library contains 124,800 clones with no chromosome bias and has an average insert DNA size of 120 kb. A total of 223 clones have been mapped by fluorescent in situ hybridization onto the chromosomes of both Indian muntjac and Chinese muntjac and a high-resolution comparative map has been established. Our mapping results demonstrate that all tandem fusions that occurred during the evolution of Indian muntjac karyotype from the acrocentric 2n=70 hypothetical ancestral karyotype are centromere-telomere (head-tail) fusions.

基因组中新遗传结构的起源与进化

生物遗传物质的多样性从根本上决定了当今地球上生命世界的丰富多 彩。然而生命在漫长的进化历程中如何从最原始的生命形态不断演变，创造 出如此巨大的多样性，是自然留给我们最吸引人的奥秘之一。因此对于分子 进化生物学或进化基因组学的研究者来说，承载生命遗传信息的基因组如何 进化一直以来都是大家关注的一个基本科学命题。本研究主要从两个方面探 讨了基因组中新遗传结构起源的分子机制和进化模式，一方面我们以实验的 方法在黑腹果蝇亚种组中大规模地对新基因进行筛选和鉴定，探讨了果蝇基 因组中新基因起源的分子机制和进化模式；另一方面我们以生物信息学手段 对啮齿类动物大鼠和小鼠进行比较基因组研究，以人和猪的转录序列作为外 群，鉴定了大量啮齿类特有的新外显子，并对这些新外显子的进化特征和产 生机制做了研究。 在果蝇基因组新基因起源与进化的研究工作中，我们综合运用了荧光原 位杂交(fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH)，Southern 印迹 (Southern blotting)，表达转录分析，生物信息确认和进化速率分析等技术和分析手段， 通过对黑腹果蝇约7000 个基因在黑腹果蝇亚种组8 个近缘物种中同源拷贝数 分布的筛选，鉴定了17 个年轻的散在重复新基因，并对这些新基因的结构、 表达和进化进行了全面的分析。结果表明，DNA 水平的重组机制产生了大量 的新的与祖先基因结构没有冗余的散在重复基因，它们的基因结构以很高的 频率形成了嵌合结构。这些新散在重复基因形成嵌合基因的机会有可能大大 高于预期。同时，我们提供了有力证据证明，重复序列特别是DNAREP1 转 座子很可能通过了非等位同源重组方式介导了散在重复基因的形成。最后， 运用多种行之有效的分析方法，我们证明绝大部分的这些新的嵌合重复基因 是有功能的。在啮齿类新外显子的起源与进化研究中，我们首先利用有完整序列信息 的人和小鼠的基因组，通过同源比对确定了人和小鼠间12,419 个直系同源的 基因组转录单元，这些基因组转录单元中71,039 个大、小鼠共有且相位定义 清晰的外显子被用作后续的分析。通过与人的基因组序列相比较，并进一步 以猪的转录组序列作为第二外群排除掉可能是在人的基因组中丢失的外显子 后，我们共确定了2,695 个啮齿类特有的新外显子。随后对这些新外显子产 生的机制、进化速率、潜在功能以及与选择性剪接之间的关系进行了讨论。 结果显示多数新外显子来自内含子的非重复序列，存在快速的碱基非同义替 换和插入缺失，功能分布上最多的是参与细胞外结合和蛋白间相互作用，提 示这些新外显子的产生可能与啮齿类与外界环境的适应性进化相关。对这些 新外显子与选择性剪接之间关系所做的分析表明，大多数的新外显子存在于 表达量较低的选择性剪接形式中，这说明这些外显子通常参与形成执行组织 特异功能的表达形式，也从一定程度上解释了这些外显子何以能够摆脱对基 因的功能限制而产生较快的进化速度。 总之，上述对果蝇基因组中新基因和啮齿类基因组中新外显子的起源和 进化的研究结果表明，基因组中通过新基因或新外显子等基因组新材料产生 新功能的进化过程是常见的和重要的遗传机制。

构筑湿地部分亚硝化－厌氧氨氧化自养脱氮研究

废水部分亚硝化—厌氧氨氧化自养脱氮研究是目前废水生物脱氮领域研究的热点。为了开发低浓度小城镇废水构筑湿地可持续自养脱氮新工艺，提高脱氮效率，减少占地面积，论文在对构筑湿地自养脱氮前置部分工作性能进行研究的基础上，在法国东部Evieu构筑湿地污水处理场对传统脱氮工艺及改进用于部分亚硝化—厌氧氨氧化脱氮的工艺进行了对比实验研究。 研究结果表明，采用改进的非饱和层(25cm)与饱和层(55cm)结合的湿地床与60cm深度的水平流构筑湿地床组合工艺，进行着完全不同于传统垂直流构筑湿地硝化与水平流构筑湿地反硝化的脱氮反应。氮平衡分析表明，这一脱氮过程是以厌氧氨氧化反应为主的脱氮反应。经分子生物学荧光免疫原位杂交（Fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH）技术鉴定，证明了传统的垂直流构筑湿地以好氧氨氧化细菌为主，但厌氧氨氧化细菌与之共存；而在改进的湿地床及后续水平流湿地床低氧环境则是以厌氧氨氧化细菌为主。论文首次为构筑湿地系统在自然条件下通过合理设计实现厌氧氨氧化自养脱氮提供了可行的实验证据。实验研究得出如下主要结论： 1. 构筑湿地可通过合理设计促进自养脱氮反应实现；传统硝化反硝化脱氮工艺VF1-1+HF3-2总氮平均去除率为66.3%，VF1-3+HF3-2总氮平均去除率为59.4%，而改进后的VF1-2+HF3-2总氮平均去除率为71.0%；含有厌氧氨氧化自养脱氮反应的工艺提高了总氮去除率； 2. 构筑湿地自养脱氮反应过程不排斥异养反硝化作用存在，两者协同进行脱氮，脱氮效果稳定；而全程硝化的出水在水平流构筑湿地进行传统反硝化脱氮的同时，会存在异化性硝酸盐还原作用，使出水的氨氮浓度增加； 3. 构筑湿地具有较好的蓄积培养厌氧氨氧化细菌的能力，在19.7℃的进水水温条件下启动反应装置，运行培养100天即观察到所需要的生物体颜色呈棕红色；调整pH至适宜厌氧氨氧化反应的范围6.81-7.18；控制氧化还原电位Eh值在-148.34至120.18mV；反应装置进水的氨饱和，并且稳定进水水力负荷在构筑湿地污染物去除能力范围内以及为避免外环境因素如降雨量过大等对反应装置造成的冲击，设置缓冲装置等，是构筑湿地实现自养脱氮主要控制的工艺参数； 4. 水力停留时间设计为5天的水平流构筑湿地HF3-3更适合传统反硝化脱氮工艺；水力停留时间的延长并不能使厌氧氨氧化工艺进一步提高脱氮效率，采用厌氧氨氧化自养脱氮工艺为减少构筑湿地占地面积提供了可能。