水牛SOX2基因5'调控序列的克隆与功能分析

为探讨水牛SOX2基因的转录调控机制,本试验克隆获得其长2555 bp 的5'调控序列片段,结合生物信息分析设计了-2263、-1816、-1275、-660和-407 bp 5个缺失体,并分别构建其EGFP表达报告载体,通过生产转基因早期胚胎和转染水牛胎儿成纤维细胞分析各缺失体片段的转录活性。结果发现,除-407 bp以外的各缺失体在猪4.5 d早期胚胎细胞中均能成功启动下游EGFP的表达,且随着片段缩短,其转录活性呈极显著递减趋势(P<0.01);而转染水牛成纤维细胞48 h后,除p-407-EGFP以外的各缺失体报告载体转染组均观察到少数细胞发光,转录活性两两之间差异均极显著(P<0.01),转录活性从高到底排布分别为-2263、-660、-1275和-1816 bp。p-407-EGFP载体在胚胎水平和细胞水平均未观察到荧光。以上结果表明,-660~-407 bp是构成水牛SOX2基因表达不可缺失的部分,-2263~-1816 bp中有非多能细胞特异性的增强子元件存在,而-1816~-1275 bp和-1275~-660 bp均含有多能性细胞特异性的增强子元件。     

水牛促卵泡素受体(FSHR)基因启动子克隆、生物信息学分析及转录活性检测

试验旨在对广西本地水牛FSHR基因5'侧翼序列进行克隆、生物信息学分析及其转录活性检测。根据GenBank已公布的黄牛FSHR 5'侧翼序列,本试验设计引物,以广西本地水牛血液基因组为模板扩增FSHR基因5'侧翼序列并进行生物信息学分析。结果显示本试验成功克隆了广西本地沼泽型水牛FSHR 5'侧翼序列及部分CDS区序列,共2979 bp,同源性比对分析结果表明其与河流型水牛、黄牛、绵羊、山羊、猪和人的同源性分别为100%、99%、93%、92%、91%和75%。对其5'侧翼2000 bp序列进行启动子预测及转录因子结合位点预测,结果显示在其翻译起始位点上游-147 bp附近存在TATA box,启动子区存在GATAs、FOXO1、FOXO3、Nobox、STAT1、STAT3、STAT4、STAT5A、STAT5B、STAT6和YY1等反式作用元件结合位点,其中GATAs家族基因在FSHR启动子区存在多个结合位点,且同一位点又存在多个GATAs家族基因结合的情况。水牛FSHR启动子能启动EGFP在HEK-293T细胞系中的表达,但表达非常微弱;也能启动EGFP在CHO细胞系中表达,且与CMV启动EGFP在CHO细胞系中的强度相似,结果表明水牛FSHR是个强启动子。总之,本研究成功克隆了沼泽型水牛FSHR基因启动子,分析了其启动子序列特征并成功验证其组织特异性的转录活性,为后期水牛繁殖性能分子机理阐明及基于卵巢特异性表达外源基因的转基因水牛奠定了基础。     

水牛NOBOX基因启动子克隆及转录活性检测

为了对广西本地水牛新生儿卵巢同源盒基因(NOBOX基因)5'侧翼序列进行克隆、生物信息学分析及其转录活性进行研究,试验采用Gen Bank上已公布的黄牛NOBOX基因5'侧翼序列设计引物,以广西本地水牛血液基因组为模板扩增NOBOX基因5'侧翼序列并进行生物信息学分析。结果表明:研究成功克隆得到广西本地沼泽型水牛NOBOX基因5'侧翼序列及部分CDS区序列,共2 906 bp。同源性分析结果表明,其与地中海水牛、黄牛、绵羊和山羊的相似性分别为99%、96%、91%、91%。试验对NOBOX基因5'侧翼序列2 000 bp进行启动子及转录因子结合位点预测,在其翻译起始位点上游-868/-853 bp处存在TATA box,启动子区存在GATAs、Foxo1、Foxo3、Nobox、Stat1、Stat3、Stat4、Stat5a、Stat5b、Stat6、YY1等反式作用元件结合位点,其中GATAs家族基因在NOBOX启动子区存在多个结合位点,且同一位点又存在多个GATA基因结合。水牛NOBOX启动子能够启动EGFP在HEK-293T细胞上表达,但表达非常微弱,也能够启动EGFP在CHO细胞上表达,且与CMV启动EGFP在CHO细胞中的表达强度相似,表明水牛NOBOX是个强启动子。     

鹅MyoG基因启动子活性及转录调控元件分析

旨在分析鹅MyoG基因启动子活性区域和转录因子,探究该基因的转录调控机制。本研究首先通过PCR扩增泰州鹅MyoG基因5'侧翼区序列1 245 bp并对其进行测序和生物信息学分析,其次,构建4个不同缺失片段的双荧光素酶报告载体,转染C2C12细胞系。进一步利用在线软件预测核心启动子区关键转录因子,对转录因子结合位点HNF4（-521～-503 bp）、USF （-379～-370 bp）和E2（-296～-281 bp）进行定点突变并构建突变报告基因载体,在C2C12细胞系内初步鉴定MyoG基因核心转录调控因子。最后,采集70日龄泰州鹅胸肌、腿肌、心、肝、脾、肺、肾和下丘脑组织样,利用荧光定量PCR检测MyoG基因和核心转录调控因子的组织表达谱。结果表明,扩增得到的鹅MyoG基因5'侧翼区序列包含启动子元件;利用双荧光素酶报告载体检测到鹅MyoG基因启动子区-624～-154 bp区域存在关键顺式调控元件;结合定点突变技术初步鉴定USF是鹅MyoG基因核心转录调控元件。组织表达谱研究进一步表明,MyoG和USF基因在鹅8个不同组织中均有表达,且在胸肌、腿肌和心组织中共同高表达（P<0.01）。鹅MyoG基因5'侧翼区具有启动子转录活性,-624～＋37 bp是核心启动子区,USF是MyoG核心转录调控因子。试验结果为探究MyoG基因在鹅肌肉发育过程的调控机制提供理论依据。     

中国荷斯坦牛C4A基因5'侧翼区功能分析

利用在线预测软件对牛C4A基因的5'侧翼区序列进行生物信息学分析,成功构建了一系列表达载体,利用双荧光素酶报告基因检测系统分析牛C4A基因的5'侧翼区启动活性。分别通过定点突变技术构建突变质粒,研究调控C4基本表达和诱导表达的转录因子结合位点。利用EMSA技术验证转录因子在研究细胞系中存在与否。结果显示,C4A基因启动子序列转录起始位点上游169 bp为报告基因荧光值最高的片段,即为启动子核心区;其中SP1(-169~-158)、E-box(-122~-117)和AP-1(-80~-71)是调控C4基本表达的主要转录因子结合位点,且3个转录因子在Hep G2细胞系中真实存在。     

山羊DCT基因启动子活性区及其转录因子调控探究

旨在探究山羊DCT基因启动子活性区及相关转录因子对该基因的调控作用,为山羊DCT基因的表达调控提供理论依据。通过对山羊DCT基因5′侧翼区序列及第一外显子区序列进行生物信息学分析,并与人和小鼠DCT基因启动子序列进行比对,同时结合在线启动子预测结果,采用快速克隆的方法构建5个5′系列缺失序列的启动子报告基因载体,以此为基础构建3′缺失序列的6个报告基因载体,并构建SOX10、MITF和OTX2转录因子结合位点点突变的6个报告基因载体,以瞬时转染的方法转染A375细胞,双荧光素酶检测试剂盒检测缺失片段和点突变片段的启动子活性。结果表明,成功构建了山羊DCT基因11个不同长度的启动子报告基因载体,-990~+232bp的P3片段荧光素酶活性极显著高于其他片段(P0.01),基于P3构建的3′系列缺失片段中-881~-154bp的P8片段荧光素酶活性极显著高于其他片段(P0.01)。转录因子SOX10结合位点突变的载体荧光素酶活性极显著降低(P0.01),MITF和OTX2结合位点突变的载体荧光素酶活性极显著增强(P0.01)。山羊DCT基因启动子核心调控区位于-881~-154bp区域,转录因子SOX10对山羊DCT基因发挥正调控作用,而转录因子MITF和OTX2对山羊DCT基因的调控作用尚需深入研究。     

ssc-miR-148a启动子克隆及其特征分析

为研究猪miR-148a(ssc-miR-148a)的转录调控机制,对其启动子进行了克隆及分析。本试验首先设计特异性PCR扩增引物,分别得到ssc-miR-148a前体上游3个片段,并将其连接到荧光素酶报告载体pGL3-Basic上。通过生物信息学方法,在线分析ssc-miR-148a启动子大概区域、甲基化部位和转录因子结合部位。将重组报告质粒转染293T细胞,分析启动子活性。采用不同浓度碱性成纤维生长因子(bFGF)处理猪成纤维细胞和转染有重组报告质粒的猪成纤维细胞,检测ssc-miR-148a和DNA甲基化转移酶1(DNMT1)的表达,及其对启动子活性的影响。结果显示,克隆得到的ssc-miR-148a启动子区2 043bp片段具有启动子活性,该序列存在5个CpG岛、Sp1及AP2等转录因子结合位点。0、5和10ng·mL-1浓度bFGF处理猪成纤维细胞和转染重组报告质粒的猪成纤维细胞后,ssc-miR-148a表达均显著下降(P0.05),DNMT1 mRNA显著增加(P0.05)。启动子活性均显著下降(P0.05),5和10ng·mL-1浓度间无显著差异(P0.05)。结果表明,ssc-miR-148a启动子位于前体上游2 043bp片段内,启动子区域有转录因子SP1结合位点,其表达受bFGF的调控。     

猪StAR基因启动子区克隆及其转录活性研究

旨在通过分析猪StAR基因启动子活性区域,探究猪StAR基因的转录调控机制,从育种学角度为提高猪繁殖力提供新思路。本研究根据Ensembl数据库已公布的猪StAR基因的5′侧翼区序列,利用在线预测软件对该基因启动子区序列信息进行分析,以大白猪基因组DNA为模板,利用特异性引物,进行PCR扩增、测序,进而构建启动子区不同缺失片段的pGL3-StAR双荧光素酶表达载体,转染293T细胞并进行活性检测。结果显示,StAR基因5′侧翼区不含有典型的TATA-box和CpG岛;成功克隆了10个含有不同长度的启动子片段,并构建了各片段与表达载体的重组质粒;转染293T细胞后经双荧光素酶活性检测发现,大白猪StAR基因5′侧翼区存在着核心启动子,其中-196~+127bp这一区域活性值最高,且显著高于其他缺失片段(P0.01),表明在+127~-196bp的区域内存在重要的正调控因素,外显子1对启动子活性起重要的调控作用。-41~-196bp为核心启动子区域,该区域存在着关键的正调控元件,包含GATA2、GATA4、SP1、ZNF263、Hoxa9、KLF16和ZNF740转录因子结合位点。本试验通过对StAR基因进行生物信息学分析,并结合不同长度启动子片段双报告基因活性检测,证实了StAR基因的5′侧翼区序列具有启动子转录活性。初步确定了该基因的启动子区域,找到了启动子的核心区域和主要调控区域,为进一步研究StAR基因转录调控机制提供理论依据。     

小鼠TLE4基因启动子克隆及分析

本研究旨在初步对小鼠TLE4基因的转录调控机制进行探讨。利用PCR方法扩增TLE4基因5′上游启动区2 849 bp(-2 521 bp~+327 bp)的片段,然后通过步移缺失获得了7段长度不等的启动子片段并分别克隆到荧光素酶(LUC)报告基因表达质粒中。通过双荧光素酶报告活性分析检测TLE4基因启动子区不同长度片段在小鼠畸胎瘤细胞(F9)及小鼠胚胎干细胞(ES)中瞬时转染后的活性。2种细胞的检测结果显示,在TLE4基因启动子区(-2 521 bp~-2 137 bp)存在负性调控元件,而在启动区(-2 137 bp~-1 794 bp)活性最强。对TLE4基因启动区(-2 137 bp~-1 794 bp)进一步缺失分析发现在该基因启动区(-2 027 bp~-1 927 bp)活性较强,分析预测该序列含有一个功能性的(HSF)的结合位点。结果推测HSF对TLE4基因的表达调控及功能行使具有重要作用。     

GC_SBE元件突变对绵羊Myomaker基因5'调控区活性的影响

为了研究Smad蛋白结合元件GC_SBE对绵羊Myomaker基因5'调控区转录调控活性的影响,试验将GC_SBE元件突变为特定酶切位点EcoRⅠ,构建元件突变型真核表达载体MyomakerProGC_SBEM-EGFP,并转染至C2C12成肌细胞中,用荧光定量PCR法检测突变组GC_SBE元件突变对不同状态下EGFP mRNA表达的影响,同时以转染野生型绵羊MyomakerProW-EGFP真核表达载体的细胞作为对照。结果表明:成功构建了绵羊Myomaker ProGC_SBEM-EGFP载体;与对照组比较,在成肌细胞未分化状态下GC_SBE元件突变后导致EGFP mRNA表达下调,在成肌细胞分化状态下GC_SBE元件突变后则导致EGFP mRNA表达上调。说明GC_SBE元件突变对绵羊Myomaker基因5'调控区的转录调控活性存在影响,且这种影响与细胞的状态有关。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein