斑点叉尾鮰病毒“自杀性”DNA疫苗的构建及其体外表达检测

根据CCVORF6基因序列,设计合适的引物,扩增ORF6基因,分别将其克隆到自杀性DNA疫苗载体pS-FV与常规DNA疫苗载体pcDNA3.1(+)中,转化感受态细胞DH5α后提取质粒,构建斑点叉尾鮰(Ictalurus punc-tatus)自杀性DNA疫苗ps-ORF6与常规DNA疫苗pcd-ORF6,利用转化后的大肠杆菌菌液为模板进行PCR扩增、提取质粒酶切鉴定以及序列测定等方法证实重组质粒构建正确。将重组质粒转染人胚肾细胞(293T),间接免疫荧光试验表明ORF6均获得表达,但自杀性DNA疫苗的表达效果不如常规DNA疫苗,该研究为这2种疫苗进一步的鱼体试验奠定了基础。     

斑点叉尾鮰病毒囊膜蛋白ORF6在昆虫细胞中的表达

为构建基于杆状病毒表达系统的CCV新型亚单位疫苗,将CCV的囊膜蛋白基因ORF6克隆至杆状病毒转座载体pFastBacTM 1质粒中,并将阳性重组转座质粒转化进含穿梭载体Bacmid的感受态细胞DH10Bac中,获得重组子rBacmid-ORF6。在脂质体介导下将该重组子转染sf9昆虫细胞,获得重组杆状病毒AC-ORF6。AC-ORF6感染的sf9昆虫细胞,经超薄切片电镜观察,可见重组杆状病毒呈多粒包埋,经间接免疫荧光、Western-blotting检测,CCV的ORF6蛋白可以在感染了AC-ORF6的sf9细胞中表达。研究表明,获得了插入ORF6基因的重组杆状病毒,并且该基因可以在重组杆状病毒介导下在昆虫细胞中表达,从而为基于CCV ORF6的杆状病毒亚单位疫苗研究奠定了基础。     

鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型ORF66基因DNA疫苗载体的构建及其免疫效果

鲤疱疹病毒Ⅱ型(CyHV-2)能够引起鲫大量死亡,严重威胁我国水产养殖业的健康发展,目前,针对CyHV-2尚无有效的商业化疫苗或治疗措施。为构建CyHV-2DNA疫苗,本研究将其衣壳蛋白ORF66编码基因克隆至pVAX1真核表达载体上,构建重组质粒pVAX-ORF66。此外,在BL21(DE3)pLysS中对ORF66蛋白进行了原核表达,表达蛋白经纯化后免疫新西兰白兔制备了ORF66特异性抗体。酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)检测显示,制备抗体效价达1∶20000以上。将pVAX-ORF66质粒转染金鱼脑细胞系(GFB),利用制备的ORF66抗体进行间接免疫荧光(IFA)检测,结果显示,ORF66蛋白可以在细胞中大量表达,且主要定位于细胞质中。将pVAX-ORF66质粒肌肉注射鲫后进行CyHV-2免疫保护实验,结果表明,其相对免疫保护率达55.6%。本研究针对CyHV-2构建了一种制备简单、成本低廉的DNA疫苗,为鲫造血器官坏死病的免疫预防及感染分子机制研究奠定了前期实验基础。     

鲤疱疹病毒3型ORF148 DNA疫苗对建鲤鱼苗的免疫保护

鲤疱疹病毒3型(Cyprinid herpesvirus 3, CyHV-3)又称为锦鲤疱疹病毒(Koi herpesvirus, KHV),是一种高传染性、致死性病毒。为开发新型CyHV-3 DNA疫苗,前期研究中将CyHV-3 ORF148基因插入pEGFP-N1构建重组质粒,在此基础上,本研究通过转染试验、间接免疫荧光试验证实pORF148-EGFP融合蛋白可以在CCB-J细胞系和建鲤体内表达;将重组质粒作为DNA疫苗,肌肉注射免疫建鲤鱼苗,ELISA检测表明免疫pEGFP-ORF148重组质粒可以显著提高建鲤血清特异性抗体水平; RT-qPCR检测显示,免疫pEGFP-ORF148重组质粒后,建鲤脾脏和头肾中的免疫相关基因如IFN-a1、Mx-1、CXCa、CXCR1、TNF-α、IL-1β及IgM基因表达量均显著提高。攻毒实验显示, CyHV-3攻毒21 d后, PBS组、pEGFP-N1组和pEGFP-ORF148组的建鲤存活率分别为30%、35%和85%,免疫pEGFP-ORF148可以显著提高建鲤的存活率(P0.01)。本研究旨在为CyHV-3 DNA疫苗的应用提供理论依据。     

1个白斑综合症病毒基因的克隆及其在大肠杆菌M15中的表达

根据对虾白斑综合症病毒（white spot syndrome virus，WSSV）1个可能编码蛋白的开放读码框（open reading frame，ORF）的序列（WSSV A基因），结合pQE30载体的多克隆位点，设计1对引物进行PCR，扩增出大小为0.28kb的A基因片段。把目的片段克隆到pGEM-T Easy载体上，构建出重组质粒pGT-A，再用引物两端酶酶切出目的片段，并按正确的读码框顺序插入到pQE30表达载体上的乳糖操纵子中，构建出带有目的片段的重组质粒pQE30-A，然后将重组质粒转化到大肠杆菌M15细胞，经IPTG诱导，SDS-PAGE和Western blot显示有与A基因预期大小11kD相吻合的融合蛋白带。结果表明，来源于WSSV的这一ORF是1个可表达的基因。     

基因Ⅱ型草鱼呼肠孤病毒病毒样颗粒的构建与鉴定

为研究II型草鱼呼肠孤病毒(grass carp reovirus, GCRV)病毒样颗粒(viruses-like particles, VLPs)疫苗,本试验利用杆状病毒-昆虫细胞表达系统(baculovirus expression vector system, BEVS)将编码VP35蛋白的GCRV-S11基因克隆入杆状病毒载体pFastBacHTA^TM,然后将鉴定正确的重组质粒转化至DH10Bac感受态细胞,筛选得到重组穿梭质粒Bacmid-VP35。将穿梭质粒Bacmid-VP35以及实验室前期构建的重组穿梭质粒Bacmid-VP3、Bacmid-VP4分别转染sf9昆虫细胞获得重组杆状病毒pFHB-VP35、pFHB-VP3以及pFHB-VP4。利用Bac-PAK快速滴定试剂盒测定重组杆状病毒滴度,并通过间接免疫荧光(IFA)和Western Blot鉴定重组蛋白的表达情况。结果显示,本试验获得了较高滴度的重组杆状病毒,并且重组蛋白在杆状病毒感染的sf9昆虫细胞中正确表达。将成功表达的重组杆状病毒pFHB-VP35、pFHB-VP3以及pFHB-VP4共感染sf9细胞组装GCRV-VLPs,通过透射电镜(EM)进行检测。结果显示,GCRV的3个蛋白在sf9昆虫细胞中可以完成自我组装,形成与天然病毒结构形似的VLPs,直径大小为65-72nm。本试验结果为进一步研制安全、高效的GCRV-VLPs疫苗奠定基础。     

鱼类传染性造血器官坏死病毒糖蛋白的酵母表面展示

糖蛋白(glycoprotein,G)是鱼类传染性造血器官坏死病毒的主要表面抗原,是病毒检测及疫苗研制的主要靶基因。为了对其进行酵母表面展示,本研究利用本实验室保存的含有IHNV-Sn1203毒株G基因的质粒为模板,PCR扩增富含抗原表位的糖蛋白基因片段后,连接酵母表面展示载体p YD1,构建重组质粒p YD1-G。将p YD1-G转化酿酒酵母EBY100细胞后,利用半乳糖诱导G蛋白的表达。利用细胞免疫荧光、Western Blotting及流式细胞仪检测酵母表面G蛋白的表达情况。细胞免疫荧光结果显示,转化了p YD1-G重组质粒的酵母细胞表面呈现出特异性荧光;Western Blotting结果显示,经半乳糖诱导后G蛋白在酵母细胞表面获得了成功表达;流式细胞仪检测结果表明,随着半乳糖诱导时间的增加,G蛋白的表达量随之增加,并在诱导48 h时达到峰值。以上研究表明G蛋白在酵母细胞表面获得了成功表达,本研究为以酵母为活载体的新型口服疫苗的研制奠定了基础。     

禽多杀性巴氏杆菌PlpB基因交叉保护力研究

根据报道的PM70菌株的PlpB基因序列,设计PlpB基因一对寡核苷酸引物。以C48-1菌株为实验材料,成功扩增PlpB基因的全序列,该片段共831bp。将扩增基因插入原核表达载体pGEX-KG,成功构建了重组表达质粒pKG-PlpB,并对pKG-PlpB重组表达质粒进行序列测定,结果表明:扩增序列与GenBank上所报道的PM70株的PlpB基因序列核苷酸同源性在99%以上。将该重组质粒转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)感受态细胞,经诱导获得大小约56KDa的表达蛋白。Western blot检测表明,该表达蛋白具有良好的反应原性。     

急性病毒性坏死病毒dUTPase基因的克隆、表达及其产物的酶学活性分析

根据已测定完成的栉孔扇贝急性病毒性坏死病毒(acute viral necrosis virus,AVNV)基因组序列,设计特异性引物,以提取的发病扇贝组织总DNA为模板,PCR扩增得到编码AVNV dUTPase的开放阅读框ORF074,将产物克隆至原核表达载体pET32a(+)中,构建表达质粒pET32a-dut。然后,将其转化至E.coli BL21(DE3)进行诱导表达。SDS-PAGE检测显示,诱导表达蛋白分子量约为46 ku,与预期表达蛋白大小一致。经Western-blotting及质谱分析鉴定,所表达蛋白即为重组dUTPase。表达产物经Co²⁺柱纯化后进行酶学活性测定。结果显示,重组dUTPase能特异性催化dUTP,EDTA可以抑制dUTPase的活性,而Mg²⁺可以增强其活性。     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Rare serotype occurrence and PFGE genotypic diversity of Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from tilapia in China

Previously, we reported 10 PEGE types of 85 tilapia Streptococcus agalactiae(GBS), which shifted from Streptococcus iniae in China, by using PEGE method. Presently, larger and more representative tilapia GBS were isolated, for the ?rst time in China, to characterize their serotypes and genetic diversities more precisely than had done before. 168 GBS strains were distributed in ?ve provinces of China, in which Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan were the major ones, holding36.9%(62/168), 37.5%(63/168) and 19.6%(33/168), respectively. Serotypes, Ia, Ib and III, were observed in these strains and the most predominant one was Ia(95.2%), which mainly distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi and Hainan. Ia initially occurred in 2009, it shoot up to 32.1% in 2010,but decreased to 16.1% in 2011 before went up to 45.2% in 2012. Ib sporadically occurred during2007–2011, III onlyoccurred in 2012. 14 different PFGE types, including 4 new types(N, O,P and Q), were observed, in which B, D, F and G were the predominant types, holding 83.9%(141/168) of the total GBS strains. Ia corresponded to 11 PFGE types(A–H, N–P), in which type D predominated(51%). Ib represented 3 genotypes(I, J and Q) and III harbored only 2genotypes(N and F). Type N and Fsynchronously presented in Ia and III. In summary, the genetic diversity of tilapia GBS varied by serotypes and changed with geographical locations and years.Although Iastillpredominated, new rareserotypeIII alreadyoccurred in China.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Purification and partial characterization of GtHs (cfLH and cfFSH) from Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) (L.) and development of a homologous ELISA for cfLH

Two gonadotropins (GtH; Qa and Qb) were purified by gel filtration and ion exchange chromatography from the pituitaries of Indian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus). The presence of GtH during purification was assessed by in vitro oocyte maturation and in vivo steroidogenic activity, and their identities were determined by elution profiles, molecular weight, biological activities and yield. The molecular weights of Qa and Qb were 37 and 42 kDa, respectively, and composed of distinct subunits (Qa: 20 and 14 kDa and Qb: 26 and 18 kDa). Polyclonal antibodies raised against Qa immunostained Qa, Qb and pituitary GtH cells. A competitive Qa‐ELISA was developed whose sensitivity was 6.25 ng mL^?1 (1.25 ng well^?1) with intra‐ (3.5%) and inter‐ (12.4%) assay coefficients of variation. Displacement curves parallel to the standard were obtained with plasma and pituitary extracts of catfish, Qb and carp GtHII. The assay was validated by measuring the plasma Qa levels after LHRH treatment and in relation to ovarian growth in the female catfish during different reproductive phases. Based on the results, Qa and Qb corresponded to fish LH and FSH respectively. The findings will increase the knowledge of the mechanisms controlling fish reproduction and identification of sensitive phases in fish in captivity for hormonal manipulation.     

Controlled infection of Poecilia reticulata Peters (guppy) with Tetrahymena by immersion and intraperitoneal injection

Tetrahymena is a protozoan parasite, which infects guppy, Poecilia reticulata Peters, and causes substantial economical losses in commercial farms worldwide. Studies of guppy infected by Tetrahymena require standardized infection protocols. The LD50 for Tetrahymena infection of guppies by intraperitoneal (IP) injection was calibrated, and the level obtained was 946 parasites per fish. Guppy infection with Tetrahymena by immersion, imitating the natural route of infection via the integument, was studied under normal or stress conditions. Exposure to cold and netting (CNI) and to cold only (CI) followed by immersion exposure to 10 000 Tetrahymena per mL resulted in 22.5% and 19.2% mortality, respectively, as compared to 14.2% and 10% in groups that were netted only (NI) or non‐stressed (I). Histopathology revealed that immersion infection resulted in a systemic infection. Lysozyme levels, measured 3 weeks after infection, were significantly higher in the CNI group (288 μg per mg protein) compared with CI‐, NI‐ and I‐treated groups (94.5, 64 and 62.3 μg mg^?1, respectively). There was no evident parasite immobilization activity in body homogenates, suggesting no development of acquired immunity. Re‐infection by IP injection revealed no increase in protection in any of the treatment groups, mortality range of 56.3–75%, higher than in the non‐exposed control (40.6% mortality).     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

Imported ornamental fish are colonized with antibiotic‐resistant bacteria

There has been growing concern about the overuse of antibiotics in the ornamental fish industry and its possible effect on the increasing drug resistance in both commensal and pathogenic organisms in these fish. The aim of this study was to carry out an assessment of the diversity of bacteria, including pathogens, in ornamental fish species imported into North America and to assess their antibiotic resistance. Kidney samples were collected from 32 freshwater ornamental fish of various species, which arrived to an importing facility in Portland, Oregon from Colombia, Singapore and Florida. Sixty‐four unique bacterial colonies were isolated and identified by PCR using bacterial 16S primers and DNA sequencing. Multiple isolates were identified as bacteria with potential to cause disease in both fish and humans. The antibiotic resistance profile of each isolate was performed for nine different antibiotics. Among them, cefotaxime (16% resistance among isolates) was the antibiotic associated with more activity, while the least active was tetracycline (77% resistant). Knowing information about the diversity of bacteria in imported ornamental fish, as well as the resistance profiles for the bacteria will be useful in more effectively treating clinical infected fish, and also potential zoonoses in the future.     

Effect of iodophor disinfection of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs on their bacterial and fungus load

This study investigated the efficiency of iodophor disinfection (135 ppm active iodine for 15–30 min) of non‐hardened Salmo trutta eggs against different groups of bacteria and against fungus. Egg samples were taken from non‐disinfected and from disinfected eggs, microorganisms were cultured on specific nutrient media and their mass was measured by turbidimetric methods. Bacteria and fungus mass of non‐hardened eggs could be reduced but not eliminated by iodophor disinfection with 135 ppm active iodine for 15 min. The extent of reduction was 47–65% (Experiment 1). The efficiency of disinfection increased with disinfection time as the reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was 40–55% after 15 min and 58–74% after 30 min (Experiment 2). Disinfection efficiency of iodophor solution diluted in water (reduction 49–57%) and of iodophor solution diluted in sodium chloride solution iso‐osmolar to the oocytes (reduction 52–61%) was similar (Experiment 3). The reduction in bacteria and fungus mass was persistent as it was 39–72% lower in embryos deriving from disinfected eggs than in embryos deriving from non‐disinfected ones (Experiment 4). In conclusion, the tested disinfection method is inadequate to eliminate pathogens completely but it could positively influence immune defence of eggs and embryos.     

Influence of the antibacterial herbs, Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia on the survival, growth and bacterial load of Penaeus monodon post larvae

The indiscriminate use of antibiotics and chemicals in shrimp hatcheries has led to biomagnification and that in turn could lead to rejection of a whole consignment. The application of the bioencapsulation technique as a tool for curative treatment in shrimp larvae was investigated. Herbs having antibacterial properties such as Solanum trilobatum, Andrographis paniculata and Psoralea corylifolia (methanolic extracts) were bioencapsulated in Artemia and fed to Penaeus monodon post larvae PL 1–25. The post larvae were reared in a medium inoculated with pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio sp. Post larvae reared in the non-inoculated water and fed with non-enriched Artemia exhibited 90% survival, highest specific growth rate (12.43%) and reduced bacterial load. P. monodon reared in the bacterial inoculated water and fed with the non-enriched Artemia exhibited the lowest survival (10–30%), specific growth rate (8.42–9.1%) and increased bacterial load (2.86 × 10³ to 3.76 × 10⁵ cfu/g). The methanolic extracts of the herbs helped to increase survival and specific growth rate and reduced bacterial load in the P. monodon culture system. Among the three herbal extracts, P. corylifolia enriched Artemia fed post larvae showed the tendency to higher survival (>50%), growth rate (11.5 averaged) and low bacterial load (1.12 × 10⁵ cfu/g). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.