冷驯化和冷冻条件下不同抗寒性冬小麦品种三个COR基因表达差异的实时荧光定量分析

COR基因是含有CRT/DRE调控元件的一类冷响应基因,在植物抗寒耐寒过程中发挥着重要作用.为了分析不同抗寒性的冬小麦品种中COR基因表达的差异,明确在抗寒中起关键作用的COR基因,本实验以抗寒品种东农冬麦1号和不抗寒品种济麦22为材料,设定一系列低温处理,用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析低温下Wrab17、Wcor80和Wcs120三个基因的表达差异.结果表明,在所有冷处理中,这三个基因在抗寒品种东农冬麦1号的相对表达量均比不抗寒品种济麦22高,上调表达时间更长,响应时间更短.处理组和对照组中也出现较大差异,在某些处理组中的相对表达量明显更高.其中冷驯化处理8～12 h和冷冻处理4h时Wrab17在东农冬麦1号中分别上调表达11.2、14.7和26倍,同时期同处理的济麦22中此数值分别为2.7、6.2和4.3倍;冷冻处理6h时Wcor80在东农冬麦1号中上调表达6.5倍,在济麦22中则出现小幅下调;冷驯化处理1h后Wcs120在东农冬麦1号中上调8.7倍,在济麦22中未发现上调表达.     

外源海藻糖对冬小麦低温下胚芽长及幼苗抗寒性的影响

为了解外源海藻糖对小麦抗寒性的影响与作用机理,通过室内盆栽,模拟低温(冷冻)条件,研究外源海藻糖处理下抗寒品种东农冬麦1和弱抗寒品种济麦22的胚芽长、抗寒性相关指标及返青率。结果表明,在4℃条件下,抗寒品种东农冬麦1号在10mmol·L-1海藻糖处理下胚芽生长最快,弱抗寒品种济麦22在50mmol·L-1海藻糖处理下胚芽生长相对较快。在-5~-25℃冷冻处理后,东农冬麦1号和济麦22分别在10mmol·L-1和50mmol·L-1海藻糖处理下,分蘖节相对含水量、脯氨酸含量、可溶性糖含量及返青率相对较高,MDA含量较低。结果说明,外源施加一定浓度的海藻糖可以在一定程度上提高冬小麦对低温(冷冻)的抵抗能力。     

东农冬麦1号TaPRK基因的生物信息学分析及低温和ABA、SA、MeJA对其表达模式的影响

磷酸核糖激酶(PRK)是卡尔文循环的关键酶,在调节糖代谢过程中起着关键作用。为探索TaPRK在小麦抗逆过程中的功能,以强抗寒冬小麦品种东农冬麦1号(Dn1)和弱抗寒冬小麦品种济麦22(J22)为材料,对TaPRK进行生物信息学分析和表达模式研究。结果表明,TaPRK基因含有一个1 215bp开放阅读框,编码404个氨基酸,表达产物为稳定的亲水蛋白,属于尿苷激酶家族,带有叶绿体转运肽,定位于叶绿体。越冬期间,Dn1分蘖节中TaPRK的相对表达量显著高于J22,Dn1叶片中TaPRK的相对表达量在-10℃和-25℃时高于J22,而在0℃时低于J22;外源ABA、SA和MeJA处理下,Dn1分蘖节中TaPRK的相对表达量均随着温度的降低表现为先升后降的趋势,且均在-10℃时达到表达量的峰值;外源ABA和SA处理下Dn1叶片中TaPRK的相对表达量呈现"降-升-降"的变化规律,在-10℃时显著高于对照;外源MeJA处理下,Dn1叶片中TaPRK的相对表达量在0℃和-25℃高于对照,且在0℃达到峰值。总体来说,TaPRK在小麦抗寒方面发挥正向调节作用。外源ABA、SA和MeJA增加了冬小麦TaPRK的表达量,有助于提高冬小麦的抗寒性。     

甘蓝型油菜抗寒性鉴定方法的建立和种质资源筛选

为筛选可利用的抗寒种质资源,建立了甘蓝型油菜抗寒性鉴定方法：将3叶期到4叶期的幼苗经4℃预处理（低温锻炼）24h,然后分别做4种冷冻处理（-2℃1h、-2℃1h+-4℃1h、-2℃1h+-4℃1h +-6℃1h）,随后统计存活率,计算抗寒指数,评估抗寒性。通过该方法对来自国内外的226份油菜资源进行抗寒性评价,结果表明：4种冷冻处理下,供试材料的存活率差别明显,抗寒指数范围是0~52。从中筛选出6份强抗寒性的种质,抗寒指数大于33;根据不同生态区划分,冬性、半冬性和春性材料的平均抗寒指数分别为8.10、7.70和9.10,春性材料抗寒性最优,也说明鉴定方法具有准确性。     

低温下冬小麦SOD及APX酶相关基因的表达分析

为进一步揭示寒地冬小麦抗寒的生理机制,以抗寒性差异较大的"东农冬麦1号"和"中国春"为材料,测定不同低温冷冻条件下小麦超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)相关基因TSOD-1、TSOD-2、TSOD-3以及抗坏血酸过氧化物酶(APX)相关基因HAPX-1、HAPX-2、HAPX-3的表达差异。结果表明,TSOD-1、TSOD-2、TSOD-3、HAPX-2和HAPX-3基因在特定低温条件下于东农冬麦1号中的表达量明显高于中国春,而HAPX-1基因在东农冬麦1号中的表达量几乎均低于中国春。其中,TSOD-3基因在冻处理初期(低温驯化30d及-10℃2h)于东农冬麦1号中的表达量相对于中国春达到最大,分别是中国春中的8.63和11.78倍;HAPX-2和HAPX-3基因均在冷冻期(-12℃2h)于东农冬麦1号中的表达量相对于中国春达到最大,分别是中国春中的3.12和21.22倍。因此,初步推断TSOD-3、HAPX-2和HAPX-3基因是参与低温响应的重要基因。其中,TSOD-3基因在冷胁迫初期起主要作用,HAPX-2和HAPX-3基因在持续冷冻下起主要作用。     

低温胁迫下白菜型与甘蓝型冬油菜抗寒基因表达差异

为了解白菜型和甘蓝型冬油菜抗寒基因的表达差异,以6个抗寒性不同的冬油菜为材料,利用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)分析常温对照以及4℃、-4℃和-8℃低温处理5d后Bn COR25、Bn ICE1和Cu/Zn-SOD三个基因的表达差异。结果表明,常温时白菜型与甘蓝型冬油菜Bn COR25、Bn ICE1和Cu/Zn-SOD基因未被激活,处于同一水平;随着温度的降低,白菜型冬油菜Bn COR25、Bn ICE1和Cu/Zn-SOD的相对表达量均上升,且均在-4℃时到达峰值;而甘蓝型冬油菜Bn COR25在4℃时到达峰值,Cu/Zn-SOD在-4℃时到达峰值,Bn ICE1的相对表达量在低温胁迫过程中始终低于常温水平;-8℃时白菜型与甘蓝型冬油菜各基因表达量均下降。在整个温度降低过程中,始终表现为白菜型冬油菜Bn COR25、Bn ICE1和Cu/Zn-SOD的相对表达量显著高于甘蓝型冬油菜,抗寒性强的品种高于抗寒性弱的品种。说明,白菜型与甘蓝型冬油菜间抗寒性的较大差异与这3个基因的表达有关。     

低温处理下东农冬麦1号小麦根组织EXPA基因的表达分析

寒地冬小麦膨胀素(Expansin)基因的表达特性同根系建成密切相关,而形成发达的根系是高寒地区冬小麦成功越冬返青的关键。为明确低温对高寒地区冬小麦膨胀素基因表达特性的影响,进而提高冬小麦对寒冷的适应性,以高抗寒冬小麦东农冬麦1号为试验材料,以正常冬小麦济麦22号为对照材料,运用实时荧光定量PCR技术对经不同低温处理的小麦幼苗根组织中编码α-expansin(EXPA)的基因TaEXPA5、TaEXPA6和TaEXPA7的表达特性进行分析。结果表明,在4℃、-10℃和-20℃低温处理下,高抗寒冬小麦东农冬麦1号中TaEXPA5、TaEXPA6和TaEXPA7基因的相对表达量与对照相比呈现显著性上升,其中,4℃处理条件下,TaEXPA6和TaEXPA7基因的相对表达量变化幅度较明显,-10℃处理条件下,TaEXPA5基因的相对表达量变化幅度较明显,-20℃处理条件下,TaEXPA5和TaEXPA7基因的相对表达量变化幅度较明显。说明低温影响小麦根组织中TaEXPA5、TaEXPA6和TaEXPA7基因的表达,三个基因与抗御低温胁迫具有相关性,并且各基因表达存在一定的协作性。     

外源MeJA对低温胁迫下冬小麦冷响应基因表达的影响

为了探讨外源MeJA(茉莉酸甲酯)处理对低温胁迫下东农冬麦1号(Dn1)叶片和分蘖节中 TaICE41(CBF表达诱导因子)及4个冷响应基因( Wcor14、 Wcor15、 Wcor18、 Wcor413)表达量的影响,了解Dn1强抗寒性是否与JA(茉莉酸)对CBF途径冷响应基因的调节有关,以Dn1为试验材料,叶面喷施1mmol·L~(-1)MeJA,采用荧光定量PCR法检测低温(5℃、0℃、-10℃和-25℃)胁迫下Dn1叶片及分蘖节中 TaICE41及下游4个冷响应基因的表达量。结果表明,外源MeJA处理提高了低温胁迫下Dn1叶片及分蘖节中上述基因的表达量;-10℃下,Dn1分蘖节中 TaICE41、 Wcor14、 Wcor15、 Wcor18、 Wcor413表达量均达到最高值,处理组依次约为对照组的3.3倍、38.0倍、12.7倍、9.4倍、3.5倍,表明JA对CBF途径冷响应基因的调节与低温胁迫下Dn1的强抗寒性有关;-10℃是Dn1抗寒的重要温度节点,分蘖节是影响其越冬性的主要部位。生物信息学分析及预测表明, TaICE41位于3A染色体上,定位于细胞核内,表达产物为无规则卷曲型蛋白,属于HLH蛋白家族成员,与节节麦的ICE1蛋白亲缘关系最近。本研究可为解析激素JA调控植物抗寒性的分子机制提供理论依据。     

STM和CUC2基因对不同抗寒性白菜型冬油菜生长点的调控研究

为研究抗寒性强的白菜型冬油菜(Brassica rapa)调控生长点(shoot apical meristem,SAM)凹陷生长的SHOOT MERISTEMLESS(STM)和CUP-SHAPED COTYLEDON 2(CUC2)基因,采用RT-PCR技术克隆两基因并进行了表达分析。STM基因CDS序列开放阅读框长度为1 554bp,编码517个氨基酸,该基因在进化上高度保守,其序列属于PLN03226超家族。CUC2基因开放阅读框长度为1 104bp,编码367个氨基酸,该基因保守序列属于NAM超家族,是一个主要由不规则卷曲与延伸链组成的亲水性蛋白。荧光定量分析表明,相同温度处理下,STM基因在抗寒性较强、生长点凹陷的白菜型冬油菜陇油6号和陇油7号中相对表达量均低于抗寒性较弱、生长点凸起的天油4号和Lenox,而CUC2基因相对表达量的变化趋势与STM基因相反;低温(0℃、4℃和-4℃)处理72h后,白菜型冬油菜生长点中STM、CUC2基因均上调表达,表明STM和CUC2基因可能参与抗寒应答及白菜型冬油菜生长点对低温胁迫的响应。     

外源ABA对冬小麦叶片抗寒相关蛋白的影响

为了解外源ABA对冬小麦抗寒性的蛋白质组学影响机制,以强抗寒品种东农冬麦1号和弱抗寒品种济麦22为材料,苗期经外源ABA和钨酸钠(ABA合成抑制剂)处理后,分别于18℃、4℃、-6℃和-20℃进行低温胁迫,对小麦叶片的全蛋白进行聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳(SDS-PAGE)分析。结果表明,低温下,外源ABA诱导处理后,东农冬麦1号叶片产生23、35和51kD特异蛋白,15、43及53kD蛋白上调表达;济麦22叶片产生28和36kD特异蛋白,15、53及76kD蛋白上调表达。     

Mineral composition of some traditional Mexican teas

Teas of plant origin traditionally consumed by the Mountain Pima of Chihuahua, Mexico, were analyzed for mineral nutritional content. Fe, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg composition was determined for native teas made from shoots ofTagetes lucida, T. filifolia, Elytraria imbricata, andHolodiscus dumosus, and from root xylem ofCeanothus depressus andPhaseolus ritensis. Native uses of these teas are also described.     

Studies on natural repellents against potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) in country stores

Summary The effects of the leaves of five plant species, one from each of the generaAmbrosia, Anemone, Eupatorium, Eucalyptus andLantana, on potato tuber moth were investigated under indigenous storage conditions at the Central Potato Research Station, Shillong (1800 m above sea level). Their action was compared with that of a biological insecticide (spores ofBacillus thuringiensis), a chemical insecticide (carbaryl), and an untreated control. The data collected after six months storage on tuber damage, sprout damage and the rotting indicated that the leaves ofLantana aculeata provided most protection to the tubers, reducing damage from over 70% in the check to below 5%, and sprout damage from over 45% to below 3%. Next best wasEucalyptus globulus followed byB. thuringiensis. They may be used on tubers stored for table use or for seed as they had no adverse effect on germination or on the yield of a subsequent crop.     

Comparative Assessment of the Efficacy of Various Nitrogen Fertilizers

Summary

The efficiency of N fertilizers is usually poor; often less than 50% of the applied N is taken up by the crop. This review focuses on various N fertilizers with respect to the significance of different N loss pathways, namely (i) ammonia volatilization, (ii) dinitrogen and nitrogen oxide emissions, and (iii) nitrate leaching. Further, the significance of biological N immobilization, ammonium fixation and, finally, the impact of nitrate vs. ammonium uptake on crop yield are also discussed. The reviewed literature shows that N fertilizers may differ markedly in their susceptibility to losses. There is, however, considerable scope to improve N efficiency of each N source by proper N management practices.     

Redox Status and Neuro Inflammation Indexes in Cerebellum and Motor Cortex of Wistar Rats Supplemented with Natural Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Astaxanthin: Fish Oil,Krill Oil,and Algal Biomass

Health authorities worldwide have consistently recommended the regular consumption of marine fishes and seafood to preserve memory, sustain cognitive functions, and prevent neurodegenerative processes in humans. Shrimp, crabs, lobster, and salmon are of particular interest in the human diet due to their substantial provision of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3/PUFAs) and the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA). However, the optimal ratio between these nutraceuticals in natural sources is apparently the key factor for maximum protection against most neuro-motor disorders. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the effects of a long-term supplementation with (n-3)/PUFAs-rich fish oil, ASTA-rich algal biomass, the combination of them, or krill oil (a natural combination of both nutrients) on baseline redox balance and neuro-inflammation indexes in cerebellum and motor cortex of Wistar rats. Significant changes in redox metabolism were only observed upon ASTA supplementation, which reinforce its antioxidant properties with a putative mitochondrial-centered action in rat brain. Krill oil imposed mild astrocyte activation in motor cortex of Wistar rats, although no redox or inflammatory index was concomitantly altered. In summary, there is no experimental evidence that krill oil, fish oil, oralgal biomass (minor variation), drastically change the baseline oxidative conditions or the neuro-inflammatory scenario in neuromotor-associated rat brain regions.     

Potential of dry fractionation of wheat bran for the development of food ingredients,part II: Electrostatic separation of particles

Wheat bran is a composite material made of several layers, such as pericarp, testa and aleurone. It could be fractionated into purified fractions, which might either be used as food ingredients, or serve as a starting material for extraction of bioactive compounds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of using electrostatic separation as a way to obtain purified fractions from wheat bran. Ultrafine-ground bran obtained either by cryogenic grinding or by grinding at ambient temperature was used as starting material. The ultrafine bran was then charged by tribo-electrification and introduced in a chamber containing two high voltage electrodes, where bran particles were separated depending on their acquired charge, allowing positively and negatively charged fractions to be collected separately. The particle size distribution, microstructure and biochemical composition of the obtained fractions were studied. The charge of the particles was influenced by their biochemical composition: particles rich in highly branched and cross-linked arabinoxylans (pericarp) were separated from particles rich in β-glucan, ferulic acid and para-coumaric acid (aleurone cell walls). The testa and the intracellular compounds from aleurone were not highly charged, neither positively nor negatively. The most positively charged fraction represented 34% of the initial bran, and contained 62% of the ferulic acid present in the initial bran. The yield of the separation process was good (5.4% loss), and could be further increased.     

In vitro antimicrobial activity of different accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. from Uruguay

Summary The in vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts from accessions ofSolanum commersonii Dun. collected in the south of Uruguay was investigated against five microorganisms including the pathogenRalstonia solanacearum. A total of 30 extracts corresponding to organic and aqueous extracts were studied. Interestingly, most of the positive results for growth inhibition were againstR. solanacearum. The extracts were also analyzed for the presence of glycoalkaloids and lectins. Six of the ten aqueous extracts showed lectin presence and a wide variation in the type and amounts of glycoalkaloids, was found. Results indicate that there is no clear relationship between the antimicrobial activity against the five microorganisms screened and the presence or amounts of lectins and glycoalkaloids, traditionally regarded as possible antimicrobial metabolites in theSolanum genus, which indicates the presence of as yet unidentified antimicrobial compounds.     

Pharmacokinetics of Marine-Derived Drugs

Marine organisms represent an excellent source of innovative compounds that have the potential for the development of new drugs. The pharmacokinetics of marine drugs has attracted increasing interest in recent decades due to its effective and potential contribution to the selection of rational dosage recommendations and the optimal use of the therapeutic arsenal. In general, pharmacokinetics studies how drugs change after administration via the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME). This review provides a summary of the pharmacokinetics studies of marine-derived active compounds, with a particular focus on their ADME. The pharmacokinetics of compounds derived from algae, crustaceans, sea cucumber, fungus, sea urchins, sponges, mollusks, tunicate, and bryozoan is discussed, and the pharmacokinetics data in human experiments are analyzed. In-depth characterization using pharmacokinetics is useful for obtaining information for understanding the molecular basis of pharmacological activity, for correct doses and treatment schemes selection, and for more effective drug application. Thus, an increase in pharmacokinetic research on marine-derived compounds is expected in the near future.     

Novel food and non-food uses for sorghum and millets

Sorghum and millets have considerable potential in foods and beverages. As they are gluten-free they are suitable for coeliacs. Sorghum is also a potentially important source of nutraceuticals such antioxidant phenolics and cholesterol-lowering waxes. Cakes, cookies, pasta, a parboiled rice-like product and snack foods have been successfully produced from sorghum and, in some cases, millets. Wheat-free sorghum or millet bread remains the main challenge. Additives such as native and pre-gelatinised starches, hydrocolloids, fat, egg and rye pentosans improve bread quality. However, specific volumes are lower than those for wheat bread or gluten-free breads based on pure starches, and in many cases, breads tend to stale faster. Lager and stout beers with sorghum are brewed commercially. Sorghum's high-starch gelatinisation temperature and low beta-amylase activity remain problems with regard to complete substitution of barley malt with sorghum malt . The role of the sorghum endosperm matrix protein and cell wall components in limiting extract is a research focus. Brewing with millets is still at an experimental stage. Sorghum could be important for bioethanol and other bio-industrial products. Bioethanol research has focused on improving the economics of the process through cultivar selection, method development for low-quality grain and pre-processing to recover valuable by-products. Potential by-products such as the kafirin prolamin proteins and the pericarp wax have potential as bioplastic films and coatings for foods, primarily due to their hydrophobicity.