ESCRT-III governs the Aurora B-mediated abscission checkpoint through CHMP4C

The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) machinery plays an evolutionarily conserved role in cytokinetic abscission, the final step of cell division where daughter cells are physically separated. Here, we show that charged multivesicular body (MVB) protein 4C (CHMP4C), a human ESCRT-III subunit, is involved in abscission timing. This function correlated with its differential spatiotemporal distribution during late stages of cytokinesis. Accordingly, CHMP4C functioned in the Aurora B-dependent abscission checkpoint to prevent both premature resolution of intercellular chromosome bridges and accumulation of DNA damage. CHMP4C engaged the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) via interaction with Borealin, which suggested a model whereby CHMP4C inhibits abscission upon phosphorylation by Aurora B. Thus, the ESCRT machinery may protect against genetic damage by coordinating midbody resolution with the abscission checkpoint.     

大豆叶柄外植体脱落过程中离区的显微观察

 用石蜡切片法观察大豆叶柄外植体脱落过程中离区的形态变化,发现离区在脱落前就已经形成,宽约2mm,由20~25层细胞构成,细胞小而致密,与周围细胞明显不同,离区外观形态在脱落过程中在光学显微镜下观察无明显变化。     

Parallels between cytokinesis and retroviral budding: a role for the ESCRT machinery

During cytokinesis, as dividing animal cells pull apart into two daughter cells, the final stage, termed abscission, requires breakage of the midbody, a thin membranous stalk connecting the daughter cells. This membrane fission event topologically resembles the budding of viruses, such as HIV-1, from infected cells. We found that two proteins involved in HIV-1 budding-tumor susceptibility gene 101 (Tsg101), a subunit of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport I (ESCRT-I), and Alix, an ESCRT-associated protein-were recruited to the midbody during cytokinesis by interaction with centrosome protein 55 (Cep55), a centrosome and midbody protein essential for abscission. Tsg101, Alix, and possibly other components of ESCRT-I were required for the completion of cytokinesis. Thus, HIV-1 budding and cytokinesis use a similar subset of cellular components to carry out topologically similar membrane fission events.     

Cell alignment required in differentiation of Myxococcus xanthus

During fruiting body morphogenesis of Myxococcus xanthus, cell movement is required for transmission of C-factor, a short range intercellular signaling protein necessary for sporulation and developmental gene expression. Nonmotile cells fail to sporulate and to express C-factor-dependent genes, but both defects were rescued by a simple manipulation of cell position that oriented the cells in aligned, parallel groups. A similar pattern of aligned cells normally results from coordinated recruitment of wildtype cells into multicellular aggregates, which later form mature fruiting bodies. It is proposed that directed cell movement establishes critical contacts between adjacent cells, which are required for efficient intercellular C-factor transmission.     

棉花蕾铃离层脱落相关基因的克隆及其表达分析

[目的]研究激素与棉花蕾铃脱落的关系,为解析离层脱落相关基因的表达、调控及功能鉴定提供基础资料.[方法]以50 mg/L赤霉素(GA3)和250 mg/L乙烯利(CEPA)分别处理的棉花蕾铃离层cDNA为Tester,H2O处理的棉花蕾铃离层cDNA为Driver,利用抑制消减杂交(SSH)技术构建经GA3和乙烯处理后的消减文库,反向Northern blo-tting筛选出离层差异表达的EST序列,然后进行基因功能注释与功能分类,并分析蕾铃离层差异表达基因的组织表达模式和GA3诱导表达规律.[结果]以GA3处理的离层cDNA为Tester、H2O处理的离层cDNA为Driver,所构建的cDNA文库命名为GA文库;以CEPA处理的离层cDNA为Tester、H2O处理的离层cDNA为Driver,所构建的cDNA文库命名为CE文库.从构建的两个消减文库(GA和CE)中共筛选出29个在离层差异表达的EST序列,通过基因功能注释与功能分类,可将这些EST序列分为翻译相关、代谢相关、信号传导、转录相关、蛋白合成、能量代谢、抗逆相关、基因组序列和未知功能等九大类,其中与翻译相关的EST序列占24.14%,说明经激素处理后棉花蕾铃离层有大量的蛋白合成.从消减文库中挑选10个差异表达基因(EST序列)进行RT-PCR分析,结果发现以GA3处理棉花蕾铃离层后部分相关基因的表达模式会发生变化.[结论]棉花蕾铃离层经激素处理后能激活脱落相关基因的表达,进而影响器官脱落,是其对逆境胁迫反应的结果.     

Spatial coordination of cytokinetic events by compartmentalization of the cell cortex

During cytokinesis, furrow ingression and plasma membrane fission irreversibly separate daughter cells. How actomyosin ring assembly and contraction, vesicle fusion, and abscission are spatially coordinated was unknown. We found that during cytokinesis septin rings, located on both sides of the actomyosin ring, acted as barriers to compartmentalize the cortex around the cleavage site. Compartmentalization maintained diffusible cortical factors, such as the exocyst and the polarizome, to the site of cleavage. In turn, such factors were required for actomyosin ring function and membrane abscission. Thus, a specialized cortical compartment ensures the spatial coordination of cytokinetic events.     

Water-inserted alpha-helical segments implicate reverse turns as folding intermediates

Information relevant to the folding and unfolding of alpha helices has been extracted from an analysis of protein structures. The alpha helices in protein crystal structures have been found to be hydrated, either externally by a water molecule hydrogen bonding to the backbone carbonyl oxygen atom, or internally by inserting into the helix hydrogen bond and forming a hydrogen-bonded bridge between the backbone carbonyl oxygen and the amide nitrogen atoms. The water-inserted alpha-helical segments display a variety of reverse-turn conformations, such as type III, type II, type I, and opened out, that can be considered as folding intermediates that are trapped in the folding-unfolding process of alpha helices. Since the alpha helix, most turns, and the extended beta strand occupy contiguous regions in the conformational space of phi, psi dihedral angles, a plausible pathway can be proposed for the folding-unfolding process of alpha helices in aqueous solution.     

ER tubules mark sites of mitochondrial division

Mitochondrial structure and distribution are regulated by division and fusion events. Mitochondrial division is regulated by Dnm1/Drp1, a dynamin-related protein that forms helices around mitochondria to mediate fission. Little is known about what determines sites of mitochondrial fission within the mitochondrial network. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria exhibit tightly coupled dynamics and have extensive contacts. We tested whether ER plays a role in mitochondrial division. We found that mitochondrial division occurred at positions where ER tubules contacted mitochondria and mediated constriction before Drp1 recruitment. Thus, ER tubules may play an active role in defining the position of mitochondrial division sites.     

Formation of sphalerite (ZnS) deposits in natural biofilms of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Abundant, micrometer-scale, spherical aggregates of 2- to 5-nanometer-diameter sphalerite (ZnS) particles formed within natural biofilms dominated by relatively aerotolerant sulfate-reducing bacteria of the family Desulfobacteriaceae. The biofilm zinc concentration is about 10(6) times that of associated groundwater (0.09 to 1.1 parts per million zinc). Sphalerite also concentrates arsenic (0.01 weight %) and selenium (0.004 weight %). The almost monomineralic product results from buffering of sulfide concentrations at low values by sphalerite precipitation. These results show how microbes control metal concentrations in groundwater- and wetland-based remediation systems and suggest biological routes for formation of some low-temperature ZnS deposits.     

Novel fold and putative receptor binding site of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) stimulates the development of and the cytotoxic activity of white blood cells. Recombinant human GM-CSF has proven useful in the treatment of blood disorders. The structure of GM-CSF, which was determined at 2.4 angstrom resolution by x-ray crystallography, has a novel fold combining a two-stranded antiparallel beta sheet with an open bundle of four alpha helices. Residues implicated in receptor recognition, which are distant in the primary sequence, are on adjacent alpha helices in the folded protein. A working model for the receptor binding site is presented.     

Spin-dependent tunneling in self-assembled cobalt-nanocrystal superlattices

Self-assembled devices composed of periodic arrays of 10-nanometer-diameter cobalt nanocrystals display spin-dependent electron transport. Current-voltage characteristics are well described by single-electron tunneling in a uniform array. At temperatures below 20 kelvin, device magnetoresistance ratios are on the order of 10%, approaching the maximum predicted for ensembles of cobalt islands with randomly oriented preferred magnetic axes. Low-energy spin-flip scattering suppresses magnetoresistance with increasing temperature and bias-voltage.     

Reconstitution of DNA segregation driven by assembly of a prokaryotic actin homolog

Multiple unrelated polymer systems have evolved to partition DNA molecules between daughter cells at division. To better understand polymer-driven DNA segregation, we reconstituted the three-component segregation system of the R1 plasmid from purified components. We found that the ParR/parC complex can construct a simple bipolar spindle by binding the ends of ParM filaments, inhibiting dynamic instability, and acting as a ratchet permitting incorporation of new monomers and riding on the elongating filament ends. Under steady-state conditions, the dynamic instability of unattached ParM filaments provides the energy required to drive DNA segregation.     

Fusion pore dynamics and insulin granule exocytosis in the pancreatic islet

Insulin secretion from intact mouse pancreatic islets was investigated with two-photon excitation imaging. Insulin granule exocytosis occurred mainly toward the interstitial space, away from blood vessels. The fusion pore was unusually stable with a lifetime of 1.8 seconds. Opening of the 1.4-nanometer-diameter pore was preceded by unrestricted lateral diffusion of lipids along the inner wall of the pore, supporting the idea that this structure is composed of membrane lipids. When the pore dilated to 12 nanometers, the granules rapidly flattened and discharged their contents. Thus, our methodology reveals fusion pore dynamics in intact tissues at nanometer resolution.     

高温胁迫下温州蜜柑内源乙烯和脱落酸的释放及其与落花落果的关系

 高温胁迫对温州蜜柑的热伤害首先表现在细胞膜透性增大，随后出现内源乙烯和脱落酸（ABA）的释放高峰，启动了纤维素酶的活力，从而加速了柑桔花和幼果的脱落速率。本研究结果还表明，异常高温对柑桔花和幼果的危害主要是代谢性的，当高温胁迫使花和幼果细胞电解质泄漏率大于对照1倍时将导致严重落花落果而减产。     

高低温胁迫下白银豆离区酶活性及其解剖学的研究

研究了高低温胁迫下白银豆落花落荚率、离区生理特性及解剖学观察,结果表明,高低温处理使白银豆落花落荚率显著增加,分别比对照增加了262.90%和202.69%;可溶性蛋白含量显著降低,分别下降了34.10%和43.33%;高低温处理后白银豆离区纤维素酶活性、多聚半乳糖醛酸酶和过氧化物酶活性均显著提高（P＜0.05）;且与高温处理相比,低温处理下酶的活性均较高,同时落花落荚率也较高。解剖学实验表明,高低温胁迫条件下白银豆离区细胞膨大,细胞间出现空腔,这可能有利于维管束的断裂脱落。     

蜡梅花蕾脱落力、扩张蛋白活性与离层形成相关性研究

为明确蜡梅花蕾脱落过程中脱落力、扩张蛋白活性以及离层发育的关系,同时研究保鲜剂对蜡梅切花的影 响,采用查狄伦测力计以及蛋白体外重组法对瓶插蜡梅花梗脱落力和蛋白活性进行研究,同时采用石蜡切片法对 瓶插蜡梅中蕾期花梗离层的形成进行观察。结果表明:1)脱落力与落蕾量呈负相关,当脱落力小于2郾0 N 时落蕾 量显著增加;2)在瓶插前期,扩张蛋白活性稳定在相对较低的水平,到了后期活性迅速增强,此时脱落力显著下降, 离区细胞严重解体并导致离区断裂;3)和对照相比,3 种保鲜剂组合对蜡梅切花无显著影响。脱落力、扩张蛋白活 性与离层发育关系密切,脱落力可以作为蜡梅花蕾脱落过程中离层发育阶段的划分依据,扩张蛋白主要在蜡梅花 蕾离层发育后期起作用;3 种保鲜剂组合对蜡梅切花作用不明显。      

北疆棉区棉花蕾铃脱落规律的初步研究

经过３ａ（１９９６～１９９８年）系统调查研究,结果表明：北疆棉区棉花蕾铃脱落率达８０％以上,且落蕾率高于落铃率。落蕾在现蕾６ｄ后直到开花前比例较大,而落铃主要集中在开花后１２ｄ以内。蕾铃脱落的主要时期出现明显的峰值,随年份不同而有所不同。中部果枝现蕾较多,脱落率也较高;同一果枝第一果节以落铃为主,第二果节以落蕾为主。栽培措施、气候条件与棉花的蕾铃脱落有极其密切的关系。     

葡萄冷藏过程中落粒果实品质及生理生化研究

[目的]探讨冷藏期间葡萄落粒果实品质及生理生化指标的变化规律,为葡萄的贮藏保鲜研究提供理论依据.[方法]以巨峰葡萄为材料,采后置于温度为-1～0℃的冷库中贮藏,以未落粒果实为对照,每隔30d测定落粒果品质及生理指标.[结果]随着贮期的延长,果实落粒率不断上升,贮藏60 d后果粒脱落率约30.00％,90 d后则高达93.71％;落粒果单果重、硬度、含水量、维生素C（Vc）和可滴定酸（TA）含量不断下降,均比同期对照低;可溶性固形物（TSS）和可溶性糖（TS）含量先升后降,均比同期对照高.落粒果丙二醛（MDA）含量和过氧化物酶（POD）活性不断上升,均比同期对照高;超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性不断下降,比同期对照低;过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性先升后降,贮藏30d时比对照高,60 d时则比对照低;果胶酶（PE）活性不断下降,比同期对照高.[结论]葡萄在低温冷藏过程中落粒果品质不断下降,生理生化指标不断朝着衰老的趋势发展.巨峰葡萄贮藏过程中可能存在Vc、TA、TS、MDA含量及SOD、POD活性临界点,即当各项指标高于或低于临界阈值时,葡萄开始出现落粒.     

Discrete atom imaging of one-dimensional crystals formed within single-walled carbon nanotubes

The complete crystallography of a one-dimensional crystal of potassium iodide encapsulated within a 1.6-nanometer-diameter single-walled carbon nanotube has been determined with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Individual atoms of potassium and iodine within the crystal were identified from a phase image that was reconstructed with a modified focal series restoration approach. The lattice spacings within the crystal are substantially different from those in bulk potassium iodide. This is attributed to the reduced coordination of the surface atoms of the crystal and the close proximity of the van der Waals surface of the confining nanotube.     

DTA-6和S3307对大豆存留荚和脱落荚生理调控的效应

【目的】在半干旱地区,研究植物生长促进型和延缓型调节剂作用下,大豆花荚发育过程中存留和脱落荚生理效应差别,探讨调节剂减少大豆脱落作用的生理效应,为提高大豆产量寻找途径。【方法】试验于2012-2013年在黑龙江省大庆市林甸县,始花期（R1）对3个大豆品种绥农28（SN28）、垦丰16(KF16)、合丰50（HF50）分别叶面喷施调节剂2-N、N-二乙氨基乙基己酸酯（diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate,DTA-6）和烯效唑（uniconazole,S3307）,喷施清水作为对照（CK）。从喷药后第35天（R5）开始第1次取样,每隔7 d取样1次。采集存留和脱落的花荚,并将荚皮与籽粒分开,液氮速冻30 min,取出置于低温冰柜中（-40℃）,待全部样品收集完毕,统一测定。比较研究各处理中存留和脱落荚中氧自由基代谢、相关脱落酶、可溶性物质等生理指标的调控效应。【结果】（1）随着荚发育进程,脱落荚中丙二醛（methane dicarboxylic aldehyde,MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（superoxide dismutase,SOD）活性、过氧化物酶（peroxidase,POD）活性、可溶性糖含量、可溶性蛋白质含量显著高于存留荚,脱落纤维素酶（abscission cellulose,AC）、多聚半乳糖醛酸酶（polygalacturonase,PG）活性显著低于存留荚。（2）DTA-6和S3307都能够调控大豆存留荚和脱落荚生理,二者过程不同,结果相似。二者调控效应表现为：总体上降低了存留荚MDA含量,提高了SOD、POD活性,效果S3307优于DTA-6,在绥农28和垦丰16鼓粒中早期,合丰50鼓粒后期阶段性的降低了存留荚AC活性、PG活性。存留荚和脱落荚生理差别随着荚的生育进程,随之变化,不同荚生育时期,差异幅度不同。存留荚和脱落荚生理指标的差异也受品种内在遗传因素影响。【结论】脱落后的荚生理指标状态与存留荚相比表现为质膜过氧化作用增强,保护酶系统的平衡被破坏,可溶性物质增加,脱落酶活性降低可能受脱落过程环境影响较大。脱落荚和存留荚生理相关指标存在差异,并受荚发育时期和品种影响。DTA-6和S3307调控后存留荚具有较强的生理调控和自我修复能力,其膜损伤、渗透调节、保护酶系统、脱落酶活性降低等均对降低脱落有积极的响应。