Functional genomic analysis of RNA interference in C. elegans

RNA interference (RNAi) of target genes is triggered by double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) processed by conserved nucleases and accessory factors. To identify the genetic components required for RNAi, we performed a genome-wide screen using an engineered RNAi sensor strain of Caenorhabditis elegans. The RNAi screen identified 90 genes. These included Piwi/PAZ proteins, DEAH helicases, RNA binding/processing factors, chromatin-associated factors, DNA recombination proteins, nuclear import/export factors, and 11 known components of the RNAi machinery. We demonstrate that some of these genes are also required for germline and somatic transgene silencing. Moreover, the physical interactions among these potential RNAi factors suggest links to other RNA-dependent gene regulatory pathways.     

High-quality binary protein interaction map of the yeast interactome network

Current yeast interactome network maps contain several hundred molecular complexes with limited and somewhat controversial representation of direct binary interactions. We carried out a comparative quality assessment of current yeast interactome data sets, demonstrating that high-throughput yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening provides high-quality binary interaction information. Because a large fraction of the yeast binary interactome remains to be mapped, we developed an empirically controlled mapping framework to produce a "second-generation" high-quality, high-throughput Y2H data set covering approximately 20% of all yeast binary interactions. Both Y2H and affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry (AP/MS) data are of equally high quality but of a fundamentally different and complementary nature, resulting in networks with different topological and biological properties. Compared to co-complex interactome models, this binary map is enriched for transient signaling interactions and intercomplex connections with a highly significant clustering between essential proteins. Rather than correlating with essentiality, protein connectivity correlates with genetic pleiotropy.     

An in vivo map of the yeast protein interactome

Protein interactions regulate the systems-level behavior of cells; thus, deciphering the structure and dynamics of protein interaction networks in their cellular context is a central goal in biology. We have performed a genome-wide in vivo screen for protein-protein interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by means of a protein-fragment complementation assay (PCA). We identified 2770 interactions among 1124 endogenously expressed proteins. Comparison with previous studies confirmed known interactions, but most were not known, revealing a previously unexplored subspace of the yeast protein interactome. The PCA detected structural and topological relationships between proteins, providing an 8-nanometer-resolution map of dynamically interacting complexes in vivo and extended networks that provide insights into fundamental cellular processes, including cell polarization and autophagy, pathways that are evolutionarily conserved and central to both development and human health.     

胡杨幼苗生长相关性状QTL上位性分析

目的幼苗期是植物生长发育的重要阶段，幼苗生长相关性状的研究对改善农作物以及林木的生产以及提高抗逆性具有重要意义。目前尚无研究对胡杨幼苗生长阶段相关表型的上位互作机制进行解析。方法本研究以包含408个单株的胡杨×胡杨杂交的F₁代群体为实验材料，获取茎高、主根长、总侧根长和侧根数量4种表型动态生长数据；基于该群体所构建的高密度连锁图谱，通过功能作图和2HIGWAS对基因之间的上位互作进行定位。结果共侦测出QTL-QTL互作83对，包含83个SNPs。其中主根长、茎高、侧根总长、侧根数量分别检验出24对、20对、24对、15对显著QTL互作；主根长、茎高以及侧根总长较大比例的上位互作分别集中分布于连锁群1、19和17。另外对4个表型显著上位互作的QTLs进行功能注释，19个QTLs注释到候选基因。结论影响侧根总长的显著互作具有较高的遗传力，在连锁群17集中分布，可能是重要的候选基因区域，能够为胡杨以及林木分子标记辅助育种提供重要的借鉴。      

Construction of Genetic Linkage Map Based on SSR Markers in Peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.)

Molecular genetic maps of crop species can be used in a variety of ways in breeding and genomic research such as identification and mapping of genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for morphological, physiological and economic traits of crop species. However, a comprehensive genetic linkage map for cultivated peanut has not yet been developed due to the extremely low frequency of DNA polymorphism in cultivated peanut. In this study, 142 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between Yueyou 13 and Zhenzhuhei were used as mapping population in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). A total 652 pairs of genomic-SSR primer and 392 pairs of EST-SSR primer were used to detect the polymorphisms between the two parents. 141 SSR primer pairs, 127 genomic-SSR and 14 EST-SSR ones, which can be used to detect polymorphisms between the two parents, were selected to analyze the RILs population. Thus, a linkage genetic map which consists of 131 SSR loci in 20 linkage groups, with a coverage of 679 cM and an average of 6.12 cM of inter-maker distance was constructed. The putative functions of 12 EST-SSR markers located on the map were analyzed. Eleven showed homology to gene sequences deposited in GenBank. This is the first report of construction of a comprehensive genetic map with SSR markers in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The map presented here will provide a genetic framework for mapping the qualitative and quantitative trait in peanut.     

Construction of Genetic Linkage Map Based on SSR Markers in Peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.）

Molecular genetic maps of crop species can be used in a variety of ways in breeding and genomic research such as identification and mapping of genes and quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for morphological, physiological and economic traits of crop species. However, a comprehensive genetic linkage map for cultivated peanut has not yet been developed due to the extremely low frequency of DNA polymorphism in cultivated peanut. In this study, 142 recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from a cross between Yueyou 13 and Zhenzhuhei were used as mapping population in peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.）. A total 652 pairs of genomic-SSR primer and 392 pairs of EST-SSR primer were used to detect the polymorphisms between the two parents. 141 SSR primer pairs, 127 genomic-SSR and 14 EST-SSR ones, which can be used to detect polymorphisms between the two parents, were selected to analyze the RILs population. Thus, a linkage genetic map which consists of 131 SSR loci in 20 linkage groups, with a coverage of 679 cM and an average of 6.12 cM of inter-maker distance was constructed. The putative functions of 12 EST-SSR markers located on the map were analyzed. Eleven showed homology to gene sequences deposited in GenBank. This is the first report of construction of a comprehensive genetic map with SSR markers in peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.）. The map presented here will provide a genetic framework for mapping the qualitative and quantitative trait in peanut.     

Global mapping of the yeast genetic interaction network

A genetic interaction network containing approximately 1000 genes and approximately 4000 interactions was mapped by crossing mutations in 132 different query genes into a set of approximately 4700 viable gene yeast deletion mutants and scoring the double mutant progeny for fitness defects. Network connectivity was predictive of function because interactions often occurred among functionally related genes, and similar patterns of interactions tended to identify components of the same pathway. The genetic network exhibited dense local neighborhoods; therefore, the position of a gene on a partially mapped network is predictive of other genetic interactions. Because digenic interactions are common in yeast, similar networks may underlie the complex genetics associated with inherited phenotypes in other organisms.     

Functional targeting of DNA damage to a nuclear pore-associated SUMO-dependent ubiquitin ligase

Recent findings suggest important roles for nuclear organization in gene expression. In contrast, little is known about how nuclear organization contributes to genome stability. Epistasis analysis (E-MAP) using DNA repair factors in yeast indicated a functional relationship between a nuclear pore subcomplex and Slx5/Slx8, a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)-dependent ubiquitin ligase, which we show physically interact. Real-time imaging and chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed stable recruitment of damaged DNA to nuclear pores. Relocation required the Nup84 complex and Mec1/Tel1 kinases. Spontaneous gene conversion can be enhanced in a Slx8- and Nup84-dependent manner by tethering donor sites at the nuclear periphery. This suggests that strand breaks are shunted to nuclear pores for a repair pathway controlled by a conserved SUMO-dependent E3 ligase.     

大豆查尔酮异构酶基因的克隆及粟酒裂殖酵母表达载体的构建

利用RT-PCR克隆Ⅱ型大豆查尔酮异构酶基因(CHI1A),然后将目的片段与克隆载体pMD18-T质粒相连接,检测后将目的基因重组于粟酒裂殖酵母表达载体pESP-2的MCS序列之中,使用电击法将重组质粒转化进入粟酒裂殖酵母中,用PCR和双酶切的方法来检测试验结果,表明获得了CHI1A完整开放阅读框(670bp),与已报道序列(NO:AY595413)的同源性达到99%。PCR和酶切鉴定表明,CHI1A已导入到酵母表达载体中。查尔酮异构酶基因的克隆、粟酒裂殖酵母表达载体的构建,为该基因的应用提供了依据。有望利用基因工程技术将该基因重组于酵母基因组中并表达目的蛋白,以此来催化合成黄酮和异黄酮类化合物。     

朱砂叶螨β-COP和Sro基因鉴定及其沉默致死效果

【目的】明确朱砂叶螨(Tetranychus cinnabarinus)β-COP和Sro两条基因分子生物学信息,并基于优化的RNAi体系评价它们的致死效应,为筛选适用于RNAi防控的靶基因打下基础。【方法】首先克隆目的基因的全长,并通过序列的同源比对、保守区域及蛋白结构预测以及系统进化树的构建明确其分子生物学信息;其次通过减少ds RNA降解因素、并适时补充ds RNA等方法改进朱砂叶螨的RNAi体系,从而延长干扰时间。利用定量PCR技术检测特定时间点的沉默效率,评价优化RNAi体系后的沉默效果;最后在沉默目的基因β-COP和Sro后,检测朱砂叶螨在各特定时间点的死亡率,评价目的基因在RNAi下的致死效果,并观察相应的致死表型。【结果】β-COP开放阅读框长度为2 688 bp,编码895 aa,属于"WD40 superfamily"及"Coatomer_WDAD superfamily",包含了"WD 40"和"Coatomar_WDAD"的保守区域。Sro的开放阅读框长度为1 119 bp,编码372 aa,具有典型的短链脱氢酶所特有的两个特征,即与NADP+biding结合位点基序"TGxxx Gx"和"Yxxx K"及其上游的天冬氨酸(Asn)、丝氨酸(Ser)活性位点。优化后的RNAi体系可在96 h内能稳定保持50%左右的沉默效率,使用该方法干扰朱砂叶螨β-COP和Sro两条致死基因48 h后试验组与对照组的死亡率均有显著性差异,用β-COP的ds RNA片段干扰雌成螨108 h后,死亡率达57.4%;用Sro的ds RNA片段干扰若螨96 h后,死亡率达28.8%。死亡个体均具有明显的表型,β-COP试验组死亡表型为4对足蜷缩在体侧;Sro试验组则在静伏期死亡或在蜕皮过程中无法蜕皮而死亡。【结论】优化的朱砂叶螨RNAi技术有稳定持续的沉默效果。β-COP和Sro与RNAi技术相结合,验证了这两条目的基因的沉默可对朱砂叶螨产生一定的致死效应,表明此类基因与技术加成的模式极具开发和利用的潜力,为今后基因功能验证和筛选以及开发以RNAi技术为基础的朱砂叶螨防控方法提供了依据。     

RNA干扰机制及其主要蛋白因子研究进展

RNA干扰(RNA interference, RNAi)是由双链RNA(double stranded RNA, dsRNA)分子介导的、在mRNA水平上关闭相应序列基因表达、使其沉默的过程。RNAi作为一种古老而保守的基因沉默机制,广泛存在于真核生物体内,在细胞的发育调控、抗病毒防御、修复遗传损伤、调节正常的基因等生命过程中起着重要的作用。RNAi机制可以分为3个阶段：启动阶段、效应阶段及扩增阶段。RNAi干扰相关的主要蛋白因子有Dicer酶、Argonaute(AGO) 蛋白家族和RNA依赖的RNA聚合酶(RNA\|dependent RNA polymerase, RdRP)。文章对RNAi机制及其相关主要蛋白因子进行简要综述。     

Chromosomal region of the cystic fibrosis gene in yeast artificial chromosomes: a model for human genome mapping

A general strategy for cloning and mapping large regions of human DNA with yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC's) is described. It relies on the use of the polymerase chain reaction to detect DNA landmarks called sequence-tagged sites (STS's) within YAC clones. The method was applied to the region of human chromosome 7 containing the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene. Thirty YAC clones from this region were analyzed, and a contig map that spans more than 1,500,000 base pairs was assembled. Individual YAC's as large as 790 kilobase pairs and containing the entire CF gene were constructed in vivo by meiotic recombination in yeast between pairs of overlapping YAC's.     

Identification of Hedgehog pathway components by RNAi in Drosophila cultured cells

Classical genetic screens can be limited by the selectivity of mutational targeting, the complexities of anatomically based phenotypic analysis, or difficulties in subsequent gene identification. Focusing on signaling response to the secreted morphogen Hedgehog (Hh), we used RNA interference (RNAi) and a quantitative cultured cell assay to systematically screen functional roles of all kinases and phosphatases, and subsequently 43% of predicted Drosophila genes. Two gene products reported to function in Wingless (Wg) signaling were identified as Hh pathway components: a cell surface protein (Dally-like protein) required for Hh signal reception, and casein kinase 1alpha, a candidate tumor suppressor that regulates basal activities of both Hh and Wg pathways. This type of cultured cell-based functional genomics approach may be useful in the systematic analysis of other biological processes.     

Functional genomic analysis of the Wnt-wingless signaling pathway

The Wnt-Wingless (Wg) pathway is one of a core set of evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that regulates many aspects of metazoan development. Aberrant Wnt signaling has been linked to human disease. In the present study, we used a genomewide RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila cells to screen for regulators of the Wnt pathway. We identified 238 potential regulators, which include known pathway components, genes with functions not previously linked to this pathway, and genes with no previously assigned functions. Reciprocal-Best-Blast analyses reveal that 50% of the genes identified in the screen have human orthologs, of which approximately 18% are associated with human disease. Functional assays of selected genes from the cell-based screen in Drosophila, mammalian cells, and zebrafish embryos demonstrated that these genes have evolutionarily conserved functions in Wnt signaling. High-throughput RNAi screens in cultured cells, followed by functional analyses in model organisms, prove to be a rapid means of identifying regulators of signaling pathways implicated in development and disease.     

绿豆高密度分子遗传图谱的构建

【目的】在前期研究的基础上,进一步利用绿豆基因组SSR、EST-SSR、STS和普通菜豆基因组SSR等标记构建绿豆遗传连锁图谱,为绿豆重要性状相关基因的定位、克隆及分子标记辅助选育新品种等研究搭建技术平台。【方法】利用澳大利亚引进的Berken（高感豆象绿豆栽培种）× ACC41（高抗豆象绿豆野生种）及其重组自交系（recombinant inbreed line,RIL）群体,对6 686对引物进行PCR扩增及多态性筛选,包括6 100对绿豆基因组SSR、149对EST-SSR、13对STS和424对普通菜豆基因组SSR引物,将亲本间多态性引物,进一步分析重组自交系群体。结合前期研究的分子标记数据,利用Mapmarker/Exp 3.0软件构建遗传图谱,并设置LOD≥3.0,最大图距50.00 cM。用Joinmap 4.0软件进行图谱整合。【结果】用2个亲本共筛选了6 686对SSR引物,共有3 691对引物有稳定的扩增产物,得到有多态的引物有588对。其中,通过磁珠富集法开发的绿豆SSR引物6 100对,有效扩增3 459对,有效扩增率56.7%,得到多态性引物559对;通过转录组测序开发的绿豆MGCP引物149对,有效扩增126对,有效扩增率84.6%,得到多态性引物21对;通过磁珠富集法开发的菜豆SSR引物424对,有效扩增97对,有效扩增率22.9%,得到多态性引物6对;绿豆STS引物13对,有效扩增9对,有效扩增率69.2%,得到多态性引物2对。表明不同来源和种类的SSR引物在RIL群体亲本中的有效扩增率有明显差别,绿豆EST-SSR引物（84.6%）最高,绿豆STS引物（69.2%）和SSR引物（55.7%）次之,菜豆SSR引物（22.9%）最低。获得一张含有585个标记（499个SSR标记、74个RFLP标记、9个STS标记和3个RAPD标记）的绿豆遗传图谱,图谱总长732.9 cM,包括11个连锁群,每个标记间的平均距离为1.25 cM,平均长度为66.63 cM。每个连锁群长度为45.2-112.8 cM,每条染色体上面的标记数为35-92个,平均53.18个。标记位点数最多的连锁群LG1含92个标记,长度为112.8 cM;标记位点数最少的连锁群LG11仅含有35个标记,长度为48.7 cM。对图谱的585个标记位点进行χ2测验,在P＜0.05和P＜0.01条件下,分别有79个和151个标记表现为偏分离,占总标记位点数的39.3%。【结论】构建了一张目前国内外发表的标记数最多、密度最高的绿豆遗传连锁图谱。     

Genetic requirements for inheritance of RNAi in C. elegans

In Caenorhabditis elegans, the introduction of double-stranded RNA triggers sequence-specific genetic interference (RNAi) that is transmitted to offspring. The inheritance properties associated with this phenomenon were examined. Transmission of the interference effect occurred through a dominant extragenic agent. The wild-type activities of the RNAi pathway genes rde-1 and rde-4 were required for the formation of this interfering agent but were not needed for interference thereafter. In contrast, the rde-2 and mut-7 genes were required downstream for interference. These findings provide evidence for germ line transmission of an extragenic sequence-specific silencing factor and implicate rde-1 and rde-4 in the formation of the inherited agent.     

梨遗传连锁图谱的构建与比较分析

【目的】利用已公开发表的梨和苹果的SSR（Simple Sequence Repeat）引物以及从梨转录组开发的SSR引物构建本研究作图群体的遗传连锁图谱,为后期梨重要性状QTL定位和分子标记辅助选择等奠定基础。【方法】以西洋梨品种‘红茄’（Red Clapp Favorite）为母本,东方梨品种‘晚秀’（Mansoo）为父本,构建F1代作图群体。将所选用的SSR引物在亲本和4个子代个体进行PCR扩增,初步筛选出扩增结果符合JoinMap 4.0软件中“CP”作图模式要求的引物,随后在F1群体中检测,选用JoinMap 4.0软件对分离数据进行连锁分析,分别构建亲本的连锁图谱。以双亲图谱在各连锁群上的同源标记作为锚定位点,对双亲图谱进行整合。【结果】利用PCR技术对不同来源的共909对SSR引物（526对梨和283对苹果公开发表的SSR引物,从梨转录组开发的100对SSR引物）进行初步筛选后,发现来自苹果的SSR引物有效扩增片段的比例和多态性均较低,而来自梨和梨转录组开发的SSR引物相对较高。筛选出207对符合作图要求的SSR引物在群体中扩增,构建亲本的连锁图谱。母本图谱中的141个标记分布在17个连锁群上,总长度757.34 cM,标记间平均5.37 cM;父本图谱中的153个标记分布在19个连锁群上,总长度1 149.43 cM,标记间平均7.51 cM。【结论】对不同来源的SSR引物构建的双亲连锁图谱进行整合,最终得到一张由186个SSR标记,覆盖基因组长度1 125.33 cM的整合图谱。     

小麦RIL群体遗传连锁图谱的构建及其多态性分析

以普通小麦重组近交系(recombinant inbred lines,RIL)‘Q9086×陇鉴19’为作图群体,利用SSR标记构建小麦遗传连锁图谱.结果表明:通过选用2 187对SSR引物筛选出RIL群体双亲表现多态性的引物共405对,多态性频率为18.52%.不同类型SSR标记多态性频率从小到大依次为Xpsp(4.4%)相似文献