A new species of Saussurea (Asteraceae) from Tibet and its systematic position based on ITS sequence analysis

A new species of Saussurea, S. erecta S. W Liu, J. T Pan A J. Q. Liu sp. nov., is described from Tibet. It resembles S. kingii but may be distinguished by having distinct stems and glabrous achenes. Saussurea kingii was placed in sect. Pseudoeriocoryne of subgen. Eriocoryne; this section was circumscribed by acaulescence and an inflorescence with congested capitula surrounded by a rosette of leaves. The discovery of S. erecta with distinct stems, cauline leaves and corymbose capitula blurred the delimitation of sect. Pseudoeriocoryne and suggested that the section may be polyphyletic. Both the close relationship and the significant difference between S. erecta and S. kingii were confirmed by analyses of nrDNA ITS sequences. The resulting phylogenies based on ITS data further suggest that Saussurea sect. Pseudoeriocoryne, as traditionally defined, does not constitute a monophyletic group. The rapid radiation and speciation of Saussurea in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, as inferred from ITS phylogeny, are discussed. (c) 2005 The Linnean Society of London.

Phylogenetic systematics of Sternbergia (Amaryllidaceae) based on plastid and ITS sequence data

The phylogenetics of Sternbergia (Amaryllidaceae) were studied using DNA sequences of the plastid ndhF and matK genes and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal region for 38, 37 and 32 ingroup and outgroup accessions, respectively. All members of Sternbergia were represented by at least one accession, except S. minoica and S. schubertii, with additional taxa from Narcissus and Pancratium serving as principal outgroups. Sternbergia was resolved and supported as sister to Narcissus and composed of two primary subclades: S. colchiciflora sister to S. vernalis, S. candida and S. clusiana, with this clade in turn sister to S. lutea and its allies in both Bayesian and bootstrap analyses. A clear relationship between the two vernal flowering members of the genus was recovered, supporting the hypothesis of a single origin of vernal flowering in Sternbergia. However, in the S. lutea complex, the DNA markers examined did not offer sufficient resolving power to separate taxa, providing some support for the idea that S. sicula and S. greuteriana are conspecific with S. lutea

Genetic footprinting: a genomic strategy for determining a gene's function given its sequence.

This report describes an efficient strategy for determining the functions of sequenced genes in microorganisms. A large population of cells is subjected to insertional mutagenesis. The mutagenized population is then divided into representative samples, each of which is subjected to a different selection. DNA is prepared from each sample population after the selection. The polymerase chain reaction is then used to determine retrospectively whether insertions into a particular sequence affected the outcome of any selection. The method is efficient because the insertional mutagenesis and each selection need only to be performed once to enable the functions of thousands of genes to be investigated, rather than once for each gene. We tested this "genetic footprinting" strategy using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The rate setting process : its sequence and participants /

"May 1984."

Molecular comparison of Scytalidium thermophilum isolates using RAPD and ITS nucleotide sequence analyses

Scytalidium thermophilum plays an important role in determining selectivity of compost produced for growing Agaricus bisporus. The objective of this study was to characterise S. thermophilum isolates by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis and sequence analysis of internally transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the rDNA, to assess the genetic variation exhibited by this species complex and to compare this with existing morphological and thermogravimetric data. RAPD analysis of 34 isolates from various parts of the world revealed two distinct groups, which could be separated on the basis of the differences in the banding patterns produced with five random primers. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the ITS region, which was ca 536 bp in length, revealed only very minor variation among S. thermophilum isolates examined. Several nucleotide base changes within this region demonstrated variation. Genetic distance values among type 1 and 2 S. thermophilum isolates, as determined by ITS sequence analysis, varied by a value of 0.005 %. Molecular analyses carried out in the present study would suggest that isolates within this species complex exhibit genetic differences which correlate well with morphological variation and thermogravimetric data previously determined.

松口蘑与假松口蘑 ITS 序列测定和分析比较

对松口蘑和假松口蘑进行ITS 序列测序，通过DNAStar 软件比较分析，发现松口蘑与 假松口蘑的5.8S rDNA 序列完全一致，ITS1 和ITS2 呈现不同程度的多态性。松口蘑ITS 序列 长度为601bp，假松口蘑ITS 序列长度为563bp。设计了扩增松口蘑和假松口蘑ITS1 的特异性 引物，能够快速地区别松口蘑与假松口蘑。

基于ITS 序列和matK 基因序列的中国药用石斛及其混伪品的分子鉴定

为了从分子水平对中国药用石斛及其混伪品进行鉴定，本文选取了核rDNA ITS 序列和叶绿体DNA 的matK 基因序列进行研究。采用改良的CTAB 法提取石斛的基因组DNA，PCR 产物直接测序法对17 种（共32 份）药用石斛的核糖体内转录间隔区ITS 全序列进行测定，克隆测序法对12 种（共22 份）药用石斛的叶绿体的matK 基因序列进行测定，运用BioEd it，MEGA4.0 等生物软件分析了石斛属植物的rDNA ITS 序列及叶绿体的matK 基因序列的特征，比较了石斛属间、种间、种内不同居群（品种）间的序列碱基差异及遗传距离，应用邻接法构建分子系统树。主要研究结果如下： （1）建立了17 种（共32 份）药用石斛rDNA ITS 区碱基全序列数据库，其中，ITS1 的长度为228~234 bp，GC 含量为45.7%~53.0%，变异位点167 个，占总位点67.34%，信息位点106 个，占总位点42.74%，ITS2 长度为241~247 bp，GC含量为44.8%~55.7%，变异位点165 个，占总位点66.27%，信息位点115 个，占总位点46.18%。 （2）建立了12 种（共22 份）药用石斛的叶绿体matK 基因全序列数据库，叶绿体matK 基因长1410 bp，变异位点51 个，信息位点11 个。除了存在碱基替换的遗传变异外，还存在碱基的插入和缺失。 （3）通过ITS 序列比较分析了各材料间的遗传距离和碱基差异，属间的遗传距离为0.295，石斛种间的平均遗传距离为0.142，碱基相差2~156 个，种内各居群间的平均遗传距离为0.002，碱基相差1~2 个。属间的遗传距离大于种间的遗传距离，种间的遗传距离大于种内不同居群（品种）间的遗传距离。 （4）根据分析石斛叶绿体的matK 基因序列得到，外类群（密花石豆兰）与石斛属间最小遗传距离为0.027，石斛种间的平均遗传距离为0.008，种间最大的遗传距离0.014， 最小的遗传距离为0.003，碱基相差8~20 个。种内不同居群（品种）遗传距离为0.001，相差1~5 个碱基。 （5）利用17 种石斛的全序列数据库及遗传分析软件，通过对待检种rDNA I TS区进行序列测定，成功地对10 个待检种进行了鉴定，并且在原植物开花后得到了验证。 （6）运用12 种石斛的matK 基因全序列数据库及遗传分析软件，成功地对4个待检种进行了鉴定，同样在原植物开花后得到了验证。 （7）本文利用石斛的核糖体内转录间隔区ITS 序列和叶绿体的matK 基因序列数据库分别构建了NJ 树，外类群与石斛属间石斛种间以及种内不同居群（品种）间均能在NJ 树中明显分化开来，二者构建的分子系统树一致，为石斛的分子鉴定提供了依据。 In order to identify Chinese Herba Dendrobii and its adulterant species on molecular level, we studied the sequences of rDNA ITS and chloroplast matK gene. Genomic DNA of Dendrobium was extracted using the modified cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) method. The PCR products of the rDNA ITS sequences of Dendrobium (32 materia ls) were purified and then sequenced. The PCR products of chloroplast matK gene of Dendrobium (22 materia ls) were purified, cloned and then sequenced. The characteristic of the sequences and the genetic dista nce were compared between Bulbophyllum odoratissimum and Dendrobium, Dendrobium interspecies, and different populations. Phylogenetic trees were constructed using the NJ method by the biology softwares including BioEd it, MEGA4.0 etc. The ma in results as follows: (1) It was built up that the database of rDNA ITS sequences of 17 species of Herba Dendrobii (32 materia ls). The ITS1 was 228~234 bp, the GC content accounting for 45.7%~53.0%. Its variable sites were 167, accounting for 67.34%. The Parsim-Informative positions were 106, accounting for 42.74%. The ITS2 was 241~247 bp, the GC accounting for 44.8%~55.7%. The variable sites were 165, accounting for 66.27%. The Parsim-Informative positions were 115, accounting for 46.18%. (2) The database of the chloroplast matK gene sequences was built up, which contained 12 species of Herba Dendrobii (22 materia ls). The matK gene sequences were about 1410bp in length. There were 51 variable sites and 11 Parsim-Informative sites. And there were nucleotides insertions and deletions in some species , in addition to the nucleotides substitutions. (3) The rDNA ITS sequences were compared and analyzed by the biology softwares. The genetic dista nce between Bulbophyllum odoratissimum and Dendrobium was 0.295. The avera ge genetic dista nce was 0.142 between Dendrobium species, and there were 2~156 variable nucleotides. The avera ge genetic dista nce between different populations was 0.002, and there were 2~156 variable nucleotides. The genetic dista nce between Bulbophyllum odoratissimum and Dendrobium was greater tha n that of Denrobium interspecies. Meanwhile, the genetic dista nce between Denrobium species was also greater tha n that of different populations (variaties). (4) The characteristics of the chloroplast matK gene sequences were obtained after analyzing by the biology softwares. The minima l genetic dista nce was 0.027 between Bulbophyllum odoratissimum and Dendrobium . The ma xima l genetic dista nce was 0.014 between Dendrobium species, and there were 20 variable nucleotides. The minima l genetic dista nce between populations was 0.003, and there were 8 variable nucleotides.The genetic dista nce between populations was 0.001, and there were 1~5 variable nucleotides. (5) The molecular Phylogeny tree was constructed on the database of rDNA ITS the sequences of 17 species of Herba Dendrobii using the biology softwares. Then we authenticated 10 materia ls on molecular level. What’s more, they had been proved when these pla nts flowered. (6) The molecular Phylogeny tree was built up on the database of chloroplast matK gene sequences of 12 species of Herba Dendrobii with the biology softwares.Then 4 materia ls were authenticated on molecular level. Moreover, they had also been proved when these pla nts were in flower. (7) The Phylogenetic trees were separately constructed on the sequences of rDNA ITS and chloroplast matK gene B. odoratissimum and Dendrobium all could be distinguished on the Phylogenetic trees. Meanwhile, the Phylogenetic trees based on two groups of sequences were coincident. rDNA ITS and matK gene sequence could be used as molecular markers for authentication of Herba Dendrobii.

Using the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) as a complement marker for species identification of red macroalgae

Barcodes based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase (mtDNA CO1) sequences are being used for broad taxonomic groups of animals with demonstrated success in species identification and cryptic species discovery, but it has become clear that complementation by a nuclear marker system is necessary, in particular for the barcoding of plants. Here, we propose the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) as a potentially usable and complementary marker for species identification of red macroalgae, as well as present a primary workflow for species barcoding. Data show that for most red macroalgal genera (except members of the family Delesseriaceae), the size of ITS region ranges from 600 to 1200 bp, and contains enough variation to generate unique identifiers at either the species or genus levels. Consistent with previous studies, we found that the ITS sequence can resolve closely related species with the same fidelity as mtDNA CO1. Significantly, we confirmed that length polymorphism in the ITS region (including 5.8S rRNA gene) can be utilized as a character to discriminate red macroalgal species. As a complementary marker, the verifiable nuclear ITS region can speed routine identification and the detection of species, advance ecological and taxonomic inquiry, and permit rapid and accurate analysis of red macroalgae.

Sequence analysis and functional study of thymidylate synthase from zebrafish, Danio rerio

The thymidylate synthase (TS), an important target for many anticancer drugs, has been cloned from different species. But the cDNA property and function of TS in zebrafish are not well documented. In order to use zebrafish as an animal model for screening novel anticancer agents, we isolated TS cDNA from zebrafish and compared its sequence with those from other species. The open reading frame (ORF) of zebrafish TS cDNA sequence was 954 nucleotides, encoding a 318-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 36.15 kDa. The deduced amino acid sequence of zebrafish TS was similar to those from other organisms, including rat, mouse and humans. The zebrafish TS protein was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. The purified zebrafish TS showed maximal activity at 28 degrees C with similar K-m value to human TS. Western immunoblot assay confirmed that TS was expressed in all the developmental stages of zebrafish with a high level of expression at the 1-4 cell stages. To study the function of TS in zebrafish embryo development, a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector, pSilencer 4.1-CMV/TS, was constructed which targeted the protein-coding region of zebrafish TS mRNA. Significant change in the development of tail and epiboly was found in zebrafish embryos microinjected pSilencer4.1-CMV/TS siRNA expression vector.

Molecular characterisation of Alternaria linicola and its detection in linseed

Nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacers (ITS) 1 and 2 and a 1068 bp section of the beta-tubulin gene divided seven designated species of Alternaria into five taxa. Stemphylium botryosum formed a sixth closely related taxon. Isolates of A. linicola possessed an identical ITS sequence to one group of A. solani isolates, and two clusters of A. linicola isolates, revealed from beta-tubulin gene data to show minor variation, were as genetically similar to isolates of A. solani as they were to each other. We suggest, therefore, that A. linicola falls within the species A. solani. Similar results suggest that A. lini falls within the species A. alternata. RAPD analysis of the total genomic DNA from the Alternaria spp. concurred with the nucleotide sequence analyses. An oligonucleotide primer (ALP) was selected from the rDNA ITS1 region of A. linicola/A. solani. PCR with primers ALP and ITS4 (from a conserved region of the rDNA) amplified a c. 536 bp fragment from isolates of A. linicola and A. solani but not from other Alternaria spp. nor from other fungi which may be associated with linseed. These primers amplified an identical fragment, confirmed by Southern hybridization, from DNA released from infected linseed seed and leaf tissues. These primers have the potential to be used also for the detection of A. solani in host tissues.

Cloning, expression, characterisation and mutational analysis of l-aspartate oxidase from Pseudomonas putida

L-Amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) are useful catalysts for the deracemisation of racemic amino acid sub-strates when combined with abiotic reductants. The gene nadB encoding the L-aspartate amino acid oxidase from Pseudomonas putida (PpLASPO) has been cloned and expressed in E. coli. The purified PpLASPO enzyme displayed a K M for l-aspartic acid of 2.26 mM and a k cat = 10.6 s −1 , with lower activity also displayed towards L-asparagine, for which pronounced substrate inhibition was also observed. The pH optimum of the enzyme was recorded at pH 7.4. The enzyme was stable for 60 min at up to 40 • C, but rapid losses in activity were observed at 50 • C. A mutational analysis of the enzyme, based on its sequence homology with the LASPO from E. coli of known structure, appeared to confirm roles in substrate binding or catalysis for residues His244, His351, Arg386 and Arg290 and also for Thr259 and Gln242. The high activity of the enzyme, and its promiscuous acceptance of both L-asparagine and L-glutamate as substrates, if with low activity, suggests that PpLASPO may provide a good model enzyme for evolution studies towards AAOs of altered or improved properties in the future.

Molecular characterization and pathogenicity of Pythium species associated with damping-off in greenhouse cucumber (Cucumis sativus) in Oman

A study was undertaken in 2004 and 2005 to characterize pathogens associated with damping-off of greenhouse-grown cucumber seedlings in 13 districts in Oman. Identification of Pythium to the species level was based on sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal DNA. Of the 98 Pythium isolates collected during the survey, Pythium aphanidermatum, P. spinosum, P. splendens and P. oligandrum accounted for 76%, 22%, 1% and 1%, respectively. Pythium aphanidermatum was isolated from all of the districts, while P. spinosum was isolated from seven districts. Pathogenicity tests showed inter- and intraspecific variation in aggressiveness between Pythium species. Pythium aphanidermatum, P. spinosum and P. splendens were found to be highly aggressive at 25°C. However, the aggressiveness of P. spinosum decreased when the temperature was raised to 30°C, which was found to correspond to the lower frequency of isolation of P. spinosum in the warmer seasons, compared to the cooler time of the year. Pythium aphanidermatum exhibited limited intraspecific variation in the sequences of the ITS region of the rDNA and showed 100% similarity to the corresponding P. aphanidermatum sequences from GenBank. The ITS sequence data, as well as morphological characteristics of P. spinosum isolates, showed a high level of similarity within and between P. spinosum and P. kunmingense, and suggested that the two species were synonymous. This study represents the first report of P. spinosum, P. splendens and P. oligandrum in Oman.

The Colletotrichum boninense species complex

Although only recently described, Colletotrichum boninense is well established in literature as an anthracnose pathogen or endophyte of a diverse range of host plants worldwide. It is especially prominent on members of Amaryllidaceae, Orchidaceae, Proteaceae and Solanaceae. Reports from literature and preliminary studies using ITS sequence data indicated that C. boninense represents a species complex. A multilocus molecular phylogenetic analysis (ITS, ACT, TUB2, CHS-1, GAPDH, HIS3, CAL) of 86 strains previously identified as C. boninense and other related strains revealed 18 clades. These clades are recognised here as separate species, including C. boninense s. str., C. hippeastri, C. karstii and 12 previously undescribed species, C. annellatum, C. beeveri, C. brassicicola, C. brasiliense, C. colombiense, C. constrictum, C. cymbidiicola, C. dacrycarpi, C. novae-zelandiae, C. oncidii, C. parsonsiae and C. torulosum. Seven of the new species are only known from New Zealand, perhaps reflecting a sampling bias. The new combination C. phyllanthi was made, and C. dracaenae Petch was epitypified and the name replaced with C. petchii. Typical for species of the C. boninense species complex are the conidiogenous cells with rather prominent periclinal thickening that also sometimes extend to form a new conidiogenous locus or annellations as well as conidia that have a prominent basal scar. Many species in the C. boninense complex form teleomorphs in culture. TAXONOMIC NOVELTIES: New combination - Colletotrichum phyllanthi (H. Surendranath Pai) Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous. Name replacement - C. petchii Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous. New species - C. annellatum Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous, C. beeveri Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. brassicicola Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous, C. brasiliense Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous & Massola, C. colombiense Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, C. constrictum Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. cymbidiicola Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. dacrycarpi Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. novae-zelandiae Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. oncidii Damm, P.F. Cannon & Crous, C. parsonsiae Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir, C. torulosum Damm, P.F. Cannon, Crous, P.R. Johnst. & B. Weir. Typifications: Epitypifications - C. dracaenae Petch.

Plexin B2 in mouse and zebrafish development

Plexins (plxn) are receptors of semaphorins (sema), which were originally characterized as axon guidance cues. Semaphorin-plexin signalling has now been implicated in many other developmental and pathological processes. In this thesis, my first aim was to study the expression of plexins during mouse development. My second aim was to study the function of Plexin B2 in the development of the kidney. Thirdly, my objective was to elucidate the evolutionary conservation of Plexin B2 by investigating its sequence, expression and function in developing zebrafish. I show by in situ hybridisation that plexins are widely expressed also in the non-neuronal tissues during mouse development. Plxnb1 and Plxnb2, for example, are expressed also in the ureteric epithelium, developing glomeruli and undifferentiated metanephric mesenchyme of the developing kidney. Plexin B2-deficient (Plxnb2-/-) mice die before birth and have severe defects in the nervous system. I demonstrate that they develop morphologically normal but hypoplastic kidneys. The ureteric epithelium of Plxnb2-/- kidneys has fewer branches and a lower rate of proliferating cells. 10% of the embryos show unilateral double ureters and kidneys. The defect in the branching is intrinsic to the epithelium as the isolated ureteric epithelium grown in vitro fails to respond to Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf). We prove by co-immunoprecipitation that Plexin B2 interacts with the Gdnf-receptor Ret. Sema4C, the Plexin B2 ligand, increases branching of the ureteric epithelium in controls but not in Plxnb2-/- kidney explants. These results suggest that Sema4C-Plexin B2 signalling modulates ureteric branching in a positive manner, possibly through directly regulating the activation of Ret. I cloned the zebrafish orthologs of Plexin B2, Plexin B2a and B2b. The corresponding proteins contain the conserved domains the B-subfamily plexins. Especially the expression pattern of plxnb2b recapitulates many aspects of the expression pattern of Plxnb2 in mouse. Plxnb2a and plxnb2b are expressed, for example, in the pectoral fins and at the midbrain-hindbrain region during zebrafish development. The nearly complete knockdown of Plexin B2a alone or together with the 45% knockdown of Plexin B2b did not interfere with the normal development of the zebrafish. In conclusion, my thesis reveals that plexins are broadly expressed during mouse embryogenesis. It also shows that Sema4C-Plexin B2 signalling modulates the branching of the ureteric epithelium during kidney development, perhaps through a direct interaction with Ret. Finally, I show that the sequence and expression of Plexin B2a and B2b are conserved in zebrafish. Their knockdown does not, however, result in the exencephaly phenotype of Plxnb2-/- mice.