Kin discrimination and the benefit of helping in cooperatively breeding vertebrates

In many cooperatively breeding vertebrates, a dominant breeding pair is assisted in offspring care by nonbreeding helpers. A leading explanation for this altruistic behavior is Hamilton's idea that helpers gain indirect fitness benefits by rearing relatives (kin selection). Many studies have shown that helpers typically provide care for relatives, but relatively few have shown that helpers provide closer kin with preferential care (kin discrimination), fueling the suggestion that kin selection only poorly accounts for the evolution of cooperative breeding in vertebrates. We used meta-analysis to show that (i) individuals consistently discriminate between kin, and (ii) stronger discrimination occurs in species where the benefits of helping are greater. These results suggest a general role for kin selection and that the relative importance of kin selection varies across species, as predicted by Hamilton's rule.     

Single-gene greenbeard effects in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum

Selection can favor reproductive altruism if an altruism allele aids copies of itself by helping relatives. The alternative "greenbeard" mechanism, in which an allele directly recognizes and aids copies of itself in others, is generally thought to be too complex for a single gene to carry out. The csA gene in Dictyostelium discoideum acts as a single-gene greenbeard. When wild-type cells are mixed with csA-knockout cells, the wild type is more altruistic, but is also able preferentially to direct the benefits to other wild-type cells. Both properties derive directly from homophilic cell adhesion of the protein encoded by csA.     

玉米茎秆抗倒伏遗传的研究进展

茎秆倒伏严重影响玉米产量、品质和机械化收获,是当前玉米生产和育种亟待解决的主要问题之一。加强对玉米茎秆抗倒伏性的研究,对提高品种抗倒伏能力具有重要意义。本文综述了玉米茎秆倒伏的主要影响因素及其遗传特征。茎秆倒伏与茎秆自身的强度密切相关。茎秆强度越高,抗倒伏性越强。茎秆强度受茎秆所处的发育阶段、茎秆内部结构和外部形态,及其细胞壁成分等影响。处于分生组织的茎秆细胞分裂旺盛,较易折断,而进入生殖生长后,茎秆表皮、厚壁组织增厚,维管束发育成熟,对茎秆的支撑作用增强。茎秆细胞壁的主要成分——纤维素、半纤维素、木质素、可溶性糖、无机物等均可提升茎秆强度。目前,研究者借助高通量表型平台,利用玉米连锁群体和自交系群体,采用各种定位方法,鉴定到一系列影响茎秆形态、强度、细胞壁成分的相关QTL和候选基因。研究表明,基于单倍型的QTL定位方法比基于单个SNP的定位效果好。一致性QTL分析将不同遗传群体的研究整合到一起,能够提高QTL结果的通用性。茎秆强度的遗传基础复杂,受微效多基因控制,位点间具有加性效应。茎秆成分QTL中的候选基因涉及细胞壁代谢、转录因子、蛋白激酶等。MAIZEWALL是玉米细胞壁相关基因的重要数据库。目前该数据库包含1 156个玉米细胞壁生物学相关的候选基因,为该领域的深入研究提供强大的资源。已鉴定到一系列影响玉米茎秆细胞壁成分、茎秆形态和强度的基因,其功能涉及纤维素合成路径,如纤维素合成酶类、Cobra类、糖基转移酶和核糖转运蛋白类;苯丙烷路径基因,如控制bm1—bm5的相关基因;植物激素类,如赤霉素、生长素、油菜素甾醇相关基因;转录因子如NAC、MYB;miRNA（ZmmiR528）以及F-box基因（stiff1）等。今后应积极探索不同发育时期玉米茎秆倒伏的力学机制;广泛发展自然群体或育种群体进行遗传分析;采取多种定位策略,提高抗倒伏相关基因鉴定的功效;针对优良等位基因,开发各类分子标记,加强抗倒伏分子标记辅助选择。本文将为玉米茎秆抗倒伏遗传机制解析及抗倒伏玉米品种的分子育种提供参考。     

Five rules for the evolution of cooperation

Cooperation is needed for evolution to construct new levels of organization. Genomes, cells, multicellular organisms, social insects, and human society are all based on cooperation. Cooperation means that selfish replicators forgo some of their reproductive potential to help one another. But natural selection implies competition and therefore opposes cooperation unless a specific mechanism is at work. Here I discuss five mechanisms for the evolution of cooperation: kin selection, direct reciprocity, indirect reciprocity, network reciprocity, and group selection. For each mechanism, a simple rule is derived that specifies whether natural selection can lead to cooperation.     

Mechanism of self-sterility in a hermaphroditic chordate

Hermaphroditic organisms avoid inbreeding by a system of self-incompatibility (SI). A primitive chordate (ascidian) Ciona intestinalis is an example of such an organism, but the molecular mechanism underlying its SI system is not known. Here, we show that the SI system is governed by two gene loci that act cooperatively. Each locus contains a tightly linked pair of polycystin 1-related receptor (s-Themis) and fibrinogen-like ligand (v-Themis) genes, the latter of which is located in the first intron of s-Themis but transcribed in the opposite direction. These genes may encode male- and female-side self-recognition molecules. The SI system of C. intestinalis has a similar framework to that of flowering plants but utilizing different molecules.     

斑节对虾PmML1和PmML2基因的鉴定及表达分析

为进一步了解ML家族基因在斑节对虾先天免疫中的作用，采用PCR和RACE方法克隆到斑节对虾(Penaeus monodon)2个ML家族基因PmML1和PmML2，并对其进行生物信息学分析，同时通过实时荧光定量PCR技术分析2个ML家族基因在斑节对虾各组织的表达分布。结果显示:PmML1的开放阅读框(Open Reading Frame, ORF)为462 bp，编码153个氨基酸；PmML2的ORF为471 bp，编码156个氨基酸。2个基因都具有1个典型的ML家族蛋白结构域。多重比对结果显示，2个基因的ML结构域与组成3对二硫键的半胱氨酸残基位置都相对保守。氨基酸序列对比结果显示，PmML1和PmML2之间的相似性仅为42.37%。PmML1与日本囊对虾(Marsupenaeus japonicus)的ML蛋白MjML4的相似性最高，比例高达91.5%，PmML2与凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)的ML蛋白相似性最高，比例高达88.46%。系统进化分析结果显示，PmML1和PmML2存在于2个不同的分支，说明2个基因的进化相对独立，证明本研究中鉴定到的是2个不同的基因。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示，PmML1在对虾眼柄中的表达量最高，其次为肠、胃、心、鳃、肌肉和肝胰腺，在血细胞的表达水平最低；PmML2在眼柄中表达量最高，其次为肠、鳃、胃、血细胞、心、肝胰腺和肌肉，在肌肉中的表达水平最低。眼柄是重要的神经内分泌调节器官，推测PmML1和PmML2可能在斑节对虾神经内分泌调控等过程中发挥重要作用。     

苎麻茎秆轴向压缩力学试验与分析

采用复合材料力学弹性参数测试的试验方法,利用WDW 10微机控制电子万能试验机对苎麻木质部和茎秆整体的整秆进行了轴向压缩力学特性的研究。试验结果表明：中苎一号品种苎麻木质部整秆的轴向压缩弹性模量平均值为241.93 MPa,最大抗压强度平均值为12.61 MPa,茎秆整秆的轴向压缩弹性模量平均值为304.85 MPa,最大抗压强度平均值为12.58 MPa;木质部和茎秆整体的弹性模量和抗压强度没有显著差异,茎秆复合中木质部和韧皮部靠自身粘附力在表层粘结,其粘附力不能阻止韧皮部沿木质部表层滑移,在压缩试验中,表现更多为木质部的承载作用。     

Genetic relatedness in colonies of tropical wasps with multiple queens

The evolution of worker behavior in the social insects is usually explained by kin selection: although workers do not produce offspring, they do reproduce their genes by aiding the reproduction of relatives. The most difficult case for kin selection theory would be species in which workers are fully capable of reproducing but instead opt to rear brood of low relatedness. These conditions are perhaps best fulfilled by the swarm-founding wasps because they have little caste differentiation and their colonies usually have multiple queens, which should lower relatedness. Estimates of within-colony relatedness for three species in this group confirm that it is sometimes (but not always) very low. Inbreeding is negligible in these species, so the hypothesis that inbreeding may raise relatedness is not supported. The maintenance of worker behavior in such species is a significant challenge for kin selection theory.     

A chemoattractant receptor controls development in Dictyostelium discoideum

During the early stages of its developmental program, Dictyostelium discoideum expresses cell surface cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) receptors. It has been suggested that these receptors coordinate the aggregation of individual cells into a multicellular organism and regulate the expression of a large number of developmentally regulated genes. The complementary DNA (cDNA) for the cyclic AMP receptor has now been cloned from lambda gt-11 libraries by screening with specific antiserum. The 2-kilobase messenger RNA (mRNA) that encodes the receptor is undetectable in growing cells, rises to a maximum at 3 to 4 hours of development, and then declines. In vitro transcribed complementary RNA, when hybridized to cellular mRNA, specifically arrests in vitro translation of the receptor polypeptide. When the cDNA is expressed in Dictyostelium cells, the undifferentiated cells specifically bind cyclic AMP. Cell lines transformed with a vector that expresses complementary mRNA (antisense) do not express the cyclic AMP receptor protein. These cells fail to enter the aggregation stage of development during starvation, whereas control and wild-type cells aggregate and complete the developmental program within 24 hours. The phenotype of the antisense transformants suggests that the cyclic AMP receptor is essential for development. The deduced amino acid sequence of the receptor reveals a high percentage of hydrophobic residues grouped in seven domains, similar to the rhodopsins and other receptors believed to interact with G proteins. It shares amino acid sequence identity and is immunologically cross-reactive with bovine rhodopsin. A model is proposed in which the cyclic AMP receptor crosses the bilayer seven times with a serine-rich cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus, the proposed site of ligand-induced receptor phosphorylation.     

Polymerizing actin fibers position integrins primed to probe for adhesion sites

Migrating cells extend protrusions, probing the surrounding matrix in search of permissive sites to form adhesions. We found that actin fibers polymerizing along the leading edge directed local protrusions and drove synchronous sideways movement of beta1 integrin adhesion receptors. These movements lead to the clustering and positioning of conformationally activated, but unligated, beta1 integrins along the leading edge of fibroblast lamellae and growth cone filopodia. Thus, rapid actin-based movement of primed integrins along the leading edge suggests a "sticky fingers" mechanism to probe for new adhesion sites and to direct migration.     

Disruption of the Dictyostelium myosin heavy chain gene by homologous recombination

The phenomenon of homologous recombination, which allows specific gene conversion and gene insertion, can be a powerful system for the study of eukaryotic cell biology. Data are presented demonstrating that integration of a transfected plasmid by homologous recombination occurs in the motile eukaryotic cell Dictyostelium discoideum. A plasmid carrying a G418 resistance gene and the amino terminal half of the myosin heavy chain gene was used to transfect Dictyostelium. A large fraction of the resultant G418-resistant cells had the plasmid integrated into the single genomic copy of the heavy chain gene. These cells, which fail to express the native myosin but express the myosin fragment, are defective in cytokinesis and become large and multinucleate. In spite of the absence of native myosin, these cells, termed hmm cells, exhibit many forms of cell movement, including membrane ruffling, phagocytosis, and chemotaxis. The hmm cells can aggregate but are blocked at a later stage in the Dictyostelium developmental cycle. The hmm cells revert to the wild-type phenotype. Reversion of the hmm phenotype is due to excision and loss of the transforming plasmid. The revertant cells express native myosin, are G418 sensitive, and have a normal developmental cycle. These results constitute genetic proof that the intact myosin molecule is required for cytokinesis and not for karyokinesis.     

A1、A3型细胞质甜高粱品种抗倒性能研究

为探讨比较A1和A3两种细胞质甜高粱品种在抗倒性上的异同点,以便有针对性地培育抗倒伏品种,解决生产中的倒伏问题。试验应用5个典型的A1细胞质品种和5个A3细胞质品种为试材,对其自然倒伏率、倒折率,各倒伏影响因子以及抗倒参数进行了比较与分析,同时进行了拉力试验。结果表明：在自然条件下,A3细胞质品种的倒折率和倒伏率均明显低于A1细胞质品种;A3细胞质品种茎秆充实度和茎秆壁厚度显著高于A1细胞质品种;A3细胞质品种较A1细胞质品种在抗弯能力上有较大的优势;用拉力秤将茎秆拉至偏离竖直方向45°、60°和75°时,A3细胞质品种所用的拉力可分别比A1细胞质品种高16.4%、15.6%和18.6%,回复后角度分别低3.70°、3.96°和4.08°。说明A3细胞质品种的抗倒潜力很大,用做生物乙醇的原材料栽培有明显优势,有必要进行进一步研究。     

An inducible endothelial cell surface glycoprotein mediates melanoma adhesion

Hematogenous metastasis requires the arrest and extravasation of blood-borne tumor cells, possibly involving direct adhesive interactions with vascular endothelium. Cytokine activation of cultured human endothelium increases adhesion of melanoma and carcinoma cell lines. An inducible 110-kD endothelial cell surface glycoprotein, designated INCAM-110, appears to mediate adhesion of melanoma cells. In addition, an inducible endothelial receptor for neutrophils, ELAM-1, supports the adhesion of a human colon carcinoma cell line. Thus, activation of vascular endothelium in vivo that results in increased expression of INCAM-110 and ELAM-1 may promote tumor cell adhesion and affect the incidence and distribution of metastases.     

西葫芦果柄长主基因-多基因混合遗传分析

[目的]为西葫芦果柄长育种提供依据。[方法]选用西葫芦自交系配制q-1×23-4G（组合1）和q-1×A-7（组合2）2个组合,构建P1、F1、P2、BC1、BC2和F2 6个家系世代群体,应用植物数量性状主基因-多基因混合遗传模型对该6个世代群体果柄长进行多世代联合分析。[结果]2个组合西葫芦的果柄长性状遗传为加性-显性-上位性2对主基因（B-1）遗传模型;2个组合F2的主基因遗传率较低,环境影响相对较大。[结论]西葫芦果柄长育种宜采用个体选择法,可在晚世代选择。     

甘蔗引进品种产量性状的遗传、相关及选择指数

研究了近年引进的甘蔗品种的12个性状的遗传变异以及这些性状之间的相关性。结果表明蔗茎产量对每公顷含糖量的贡献比锤度大,每公顷有效茎数对蔗茎产量的贡献比单茎重大,茎径对单茎重的直接效应比株高大。但每公顷有效茎数与单茎重、茎径有极显著的负相关,在选育种上和栽培上应注意合理兼顾,传它们相互协调。6月中旬和8月中旬地上部干重与产量有高度显著的正相关,可用作早期选择的指标。对甘蔗引种中应用选择指数进行了探讨,结果认为根据多性状构成的选择指数进行选择,可以获得较高的选择响应和相对效率。     

烤烟成熟叶片结构与叶位关系的研究

烤烟成熟叶片栅栏组织细胞密度、细胞原生质浓度随叶位的升高而增加;成熟叶片叶肉细胞的原生质凝聚成丝网状均匀分布;叶肉的空隙(胞间隙)随叶位升高而减小;鲜叶厚度随叶位升高呈凹曲线形变化,而经正常烘烤干燥收缩后,叶厚顺序则为下部<中部<上部。观察还发现,在叶片中部海绵组织中有一种外观卵圆形、内部团丝状的异细胞,其密度随叶位的升高而增大;某些表皮细胞在叶片成熟过程中解体,成为具有分泌物(粘液)的粘液腔,表皮上还有许多染色重、细胞壁成条带状加厚的细胞。     

斑割复合体及其杂交后代的生物量及根系性状

本研究利用前期获得的含广西斑茅和广西割手密血缘的甘蔗育种新材料及其亲本共11份无性系进行桶栽试验,分析了参试材料植株地上部生物量和根系的主要相关性状在斑茅割手密复合体杂交利用过程各世代的变化。结果表明:参试的斑茅割手密复合体及其与甘蔗杂交、回交获得的F1代材料以及BC1代在株高、茎径、单茎重和叶面积上都表现比其亲本甘蔗有更大的优势;根系重量和活力都略有增加;地上部分生物产量上均表现出超亲效应,其超亲效应与绿叶面积的超亲表现相关性显著。     

Regulation of Propylene and 1-Methylcyclopropene on Expressions of ACS and ACO Genes in Persimmon Fruits

The regulation of postharvest treatment with propylene and 1-MCP on ethylene release rate and expressions of 1- aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid synthase （ACS） and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase （ACO） genes in Fuping Janshi persimmon （Diospyros kaki L.） fruit were investigated. Fruits were treated with propylene and 1-MCP, then stored at 20℃, ethylene release rate of the treated fruits was measured at regular intervals and RNA was extracted for Northern blotting analysis. The results suggested that treatment with propylene accelerated the expressions of ACS and ACO genes and then enhanced the ethylene biosynthesis, while treatment with 1-MCP inhibited the expressions of two genes and their ethylene biosynthesis. Furthermore, different effects on expressions caused by treatments with propylene and 1-MCP existed in various fruit tissues, the inhibitory effect on ACS and ACO genes by 1-MCP was the strongest in pericarp, followed by pulp and core tissues, in the area near fruit stalk, the inhibitory effect was the weakest. While the enhanced effect on ACS and ACO genes by propylene increased from pulp, core, and pericarp to the area near fruit stalk. Expression of each member of ACS and ACO families in various tissues was also completely different, in control and propylene treatment, DKACS3 gene just expressed in the area near fruit stalk and did not express in other tissues, but DKACS2 gene expressed in four tissues by treatment with propylene.