大鲵虹彩病毒贵州分离株MCP基因的克隆与原核表达

根据Gen Bank中大鲵虹彩病毒主衣壳蛋白MCP(major capsid protein,MCP)基因序列(序列号:KF512820),设计一对特异性引物,以大鲵虹彩病毒贵州分离株基因组DNA为模板,PCR扩增大鲵虹彩病毒MCP基因并测序,与Gen Bank中大鲵虹彩病毒MCP基因进行比对,然后将其亚克隆到原核表达载体p ET-32a(+)中,转化大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)感受态细胞,经IPTG诱导后进行Western blot分析。结果显示:PCR扩增出长度为1 392 bp的片段,与Gen Bank中大鲵虹彩病毒MCP基因核苷酸序列相似性为99.7%~99.9%,SDSPAGE电泳显示该重组蛋白的相对分子质量约为67×103。免疫原性检测结果表明,该重组蛋白可与兔抗大鲵虹彩病毒阳性血清特异性反应,具有免疫原性。     

传染性胰腺坏死病毒VP3蛋白的原核表达及抗原性分析

应用RT-PCR方法扩增了IPNV编码内衣壳VP3蛋白的基因615bp,将VP3基因克隆至原核表达载体pET30b,并在大肠杆菌BL21中得到了表达。通过SDS-PAGE分析表明,重组菌诱导后得到了预期大小约30ku的VP3蛋白,与理论值相符,经薄层扫描分析表明目的蛋白表达量可占菌体总蛋白的30%。用镍离子亲和层析柱纯化可溶性的VP3蛋白,并制备抗血清。Western-blotting结果显示,VP3蛋白可被兔抗IPNV阳性血清识别;间接ELISA结果显示,IPNV细胞培养物作为抗原,兔抗VP3蛋白高免血清稀释度为1∶25600时,P/N>2,抗血清可与IPNV全病毒发生反应,以上两项结果说明,表达的VP3蛋白与天然的IPNVVP3蛋白一样具有相同的抗原性。试验利用原核表达系统成功地高效表达了IPNVVP3蛋白,融合蛋白以可溶性形式存在,并制备了高效价的抗血清。     

Characterization of nodavirus and viral encephalopathy and retinopathy in farmed turbot, Scophthalmus maximus (L.)

An outbreak of nodavirus infection in turbot larvae is described with respect to histopathology, immunohistochemistry, cell culture cultivation, RT-PCR amplification and sequence analysis of the capsid protein gene RNA2. Affected turbot developed classical signs of viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) with abnormal swimming behaviour and high mortality levels. In the acute stage of infection, light microscopy revealed vacuolation of the central nervous system (CNS), with positive immunohistochemical staining for nodavirus. Later in the infection, CNS lesions appeared more chronic and contained clusters of cells immunopositive for nodavirus. Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines of the fish may have provoked or influenced the course of the nodavirus infection. We were unable to propagate the virus in cell culture. While RT-PCR using primers designed to detect Atlantic halibut nodavirus gave negative results, further testing with primers complementary to a more conserved region of RNA2 resulted in amplification of a product of the expected size. The entire RNA2 segment was cloned and sequenced. Sequence alignment showed that the turbot nodavirus (TNV) was different from previously described fish nodaviruses. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on an 823 nt region of the sequence indicated that TNV clustered outside the four established fish nodavirus genotypes, suggesting a fifth genotype within the betanodaviruses.     

Nodavirus infections in Israeli mariculture

Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) infections were diagnosed in five fish species: Epinephelus aeneus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Sciaenops ocellatus, Lates calcarifer and Mugil cephalus cultured on both the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts of Israel during 1998-2002. Spongiform vacuolation of nervous tissue was observed in histological sections of all examined species. With transmission electron microscopy, paracrystalline arrays and pieces of membrane-associated non-enveloped virions measuring approximately 30 nm in diameter were observed in the brain and retina of all species. At the molecular level, the nodavirus was detected by using a primer set that amplified the T4 region of the coat protein gene. When the same set of primers was used to search for VER in an additional fish species, Sparus aurata, it was found to produce non-specific amplicons, giving rise to false-positive results. This problem was overcome by using a different primer set (F1/VR3), designed on a highly conserved region of the virus gene, which amplified a fragment of 254 bp, and confirmed that S. aurata was nodavirus-free. This set was validated on all five species of infected fish, as well as clinically healthy fish. Comparison of the coat protein genes from the Israeli isolated sequences indicated that more than one viral strain was involved. No strict host-specificity was evident. Red Sea and Mediterranean isolated sequences grouped in distinct clusters, together with several foreign isolates from the Mediterranean area and the Far East, as phylogenetically close to the Epinephelus akaara RGNNV type.     

Historical DNA as a tool to genetically characterize the Mediterranean sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus,Lamniformes: Odontaspididae): A species probably disappeared from this basin

1. The sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) is a coastal species distributed in temperate and sub‐tropical waters, classified as ‘Vulnerable’ at global level and ‘Critically endangered’ in eastern Australia, south‐western Atlantic Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. Six populations (north‐western Atlantic, Brazil, South Africa, Japan, eastern Australia, and western Australia) with low genetic diversity and limited gene flow were identified worldwide, but genetic information for many other geographic areas are still missing. Specifically, this species is listed in several reports as part of the Mediterranean fauna, even if there has been a lack of catches and sightings in recent years in this basin. To clarify the origin of C. taurus individuals caught in the past in the Mediterranean Sea, historical samples were genetically analysed.
2. Nine samples with certain Mediterranean origin were collected from different European museums. DNA was extracted and ~600 bp of the mitochondrial DNA control region were amplified using eight overlapping species‐specific primer pairs. Sequences obtained were aligned with all the haplotypes globally known so far.
3. Genetic analysis revealed the misidentification of one museum specimen. Among the remaining Mediterranean historical samples, three different haplotypes were recovered. Two of them previously observed only in South Africa and one described in both South African and Brazilian populations.
4. Results suggest a genetic relationship between Mediterranean sand tiger sharks and those from the western Indian Ocean. According to previous studies, we hypothesized that, during the Pleistocene, the cold Benguela upwelling barrier was temporarily reduced allowing the passage of C. taurus individuals from the Indian to Atlantic Ocean. After the restoration of this phylogeographic barrier some individuals were trapped in the Atlantic Ocean and probably migrated northward colonizing the western African coasts and the Mediterranean Sea.

     

Diet,size and location as determinants of n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid content in farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

We explored how currently manufactured feeds, under real‐world conditions and across geographically distinct locations, promoted flesh n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC‐PUFA, i.e. 20:5n‐3 + 22:6n‐3) levels in various life stages of farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). Potential effects on flesh LC‐PUFA included: (1) diet and fish weight at one Canadian east coast farm, (2) diet and farm location across six east coast farms, and (3) diet and farm location between east and west coast farms. For objectives 1 and 2, salmon were fed a currently manufactured feed (labelled as feeds A, B or C) and harvested at 1, 3 and 5 kg. LC‐PUFA levels in 5 kg (harvest size) fish were then compared to previously published values for west coast farmed Atlantic Salmon (Obj. 3). Combined results revealed that variability in LC‐PUFA levels was better explained by diet than by fish weight or farm location. Fish size, however, was also important for two reasons. First, feeding a high LC‐PUFA diet early in life appeared important for ensuring high LC‐PUFA levels at harvest size. Second, salmon flesh LC‐PUFA levels increased with fish size, but only when dietary LC‐PUFA was provided above an apparent threshold value (~3000 mg per 100 g or 10% of total fatty acids) that likely promoted LC‐PUFA incorporation and storage. Overall, our comparison makes new recommendations for feed manufacturers and demonstrates that farmed Atlantic Salmon reared under real‐world conditions on currently available salmon feeds were good sources of n‐3 LC‐PUFA to consumers.     

Cloning,expression and sequence analysis of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus genes: Indian isolate

RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), B2 and capsid genes of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) of Indian isolate were polymerase chain reaction amplified, cloned and sequenced. Expression of the MrNV fusion recombinant proteins of RdRp (44.5 kDa), B2 (32.2 kDa) and capsid (58.4 kDa) was confirmed by Western blot analysis using anti‐His mouse monoclonal antibodies. Polyclonal antibodies specific to purified recombinant MrNV capsid protein showed specificity against the capsid protein by Western blot. The protein sequence analysis of the partial RdRp gene of MrNV revealed the signature sequence along with the conserved core residues of the catalytic domain and indicated the presence of active sites, metal ion‐binding site and nucleic acid‐binding site residues. The Indian isolate of MrNV showed high RdRp and capsid gene sequence homology with the other MrNV geographical isolates. However, the Belize isolate was found to be the most distinct among the different geographical prawn nodavirus isolates due to the host specificity. Secondary structure prediction analysis of the MrNV capsid predicted it to be a DNA‐binding protein consisting of α helix (22.91%), extended strand (24.80%), β turn (5.39%) and random coil (46.90%) regions.     

传染性胰腺坏死病毒VP3蛋白的干酪乳杆菌表达系统构建

根据传染性胰腺坏死病毒(IPNV)VP3蛋白的全基因序列,设计并合成引物,以IPNV(ATCC VR-1318)细胞培养毒提取的核酸为模板,对传染性胰腺坏死病毒VP3蛋白的干酪乳杆菌表达系统进行了构建研究。结果显示:进行RT-PCR扩增得到截短的VP3基因约615 bp目的片段,将其克隆到pMD18-T Simple载体,经酶切、PCR扩增和序列测定后显示目的片段正确;将目的片段分别亚克隆到乳酸菌细胞表面表达型载体和分泌表达型载体,电转化于干酪乳杆菌,获得了阳性重组菌株。结果表明,通过本实验方法可构建表达传染性胰腺坏死病毒VP3蛋白的干酪乳杆菌表达系统,为实现IPNV VP3蛋白在乳酸菌中的表达及免疫原性研究奠定了基础。     

环介导等温扩增技术与横向流动试纸条法快速检测鳗利斯顿氏菌的研究

采用环介导等温扩增技术(Loop-mediated isothermal amplification,LAMP)、横向流动试纸条技术(Lateral flow dipstick,LFD),建立一种鳗利斯顿氏菌快速检测方法。针对鳗利斯顿氏菌金属蛋白酶基因设计一套特异性引物及异硫氰酸荧光素(Fluorescein isothiocyanate,FITC)标记的探针,结合生物素标记的环介导等温扩增技术扩增反应和横向流动试纸条技术对鳗利斯顿氏菌进行检测;比较LAMP-AGE、LAMP-LFD和PCR-AGE的灵敏度;选取4株鳗利斯顿氏菌和6株非鳗利斯顿氏菌验证LAMP-LFD特异性。试验结果表明,应用LAMP-LFD,能在30 min内完成鳗利斯顿氏菌的检测;LAMP-LFD检测的灵敏度为7.7 cfu/ml,LAMP-AGE和PCR-AGE检测的灵敏度均为77 cfu/ml;4株鳗利斯顿氏菌均呈阳性反应,其他6株非鳗利斯顿氏菌均为阴性。应用LAMP-LFD检测鳗利斯顿氏菌特异性强、灵敏度高、并且操作安全、简便、快捷。     

Universal PCR primers for ribosomal protein gene introns of fish

Human ribosomal protein (RP) gene sequences with respect to intron/exon structures and corresponding cDNA or genomic data of fish species were obtained from the GenBank database. Based on conserved exon sequences, 128 primer pairs for 41 genes were designed for exon-primed intron-crossing (EPIC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In reference to the draft genome sequences of the Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis), 12 primer pairs expected to amplify introns of the bluefin tuna with lengths of 500–1000 bp were selected and applied to six distantly related fish species belonging to the Orders Clupeiformes, Tetraodontiformes, Pleuronectiformes, Perciformes, Scorpaeniformes, and Anguilliformes. PCR amplification was observed for at least four species in each primer pair, and all fragments were larger than those expected for intronless amplification. Single fragment amplification was observed for at least seven primer pairs per species. Fragment sizes of the bluefin tuna for nine primer pairs corresponded to those expected from the genomic data. Thus, our primer pairs are potentially applicable to a wide variety of fish species and serve as an initial step for isolating single-copy nuclear DNA sequences.     

A new strain of white spot syndrome virus affecting Litopenaeus vannamei in Indian shrimp farms

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV)‐infected shrimp samples collected from grow‐out ponds located at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, showed WSSV negative and positive by PCR using primer sets specific to ORF119 and VP28 gene of WSSV, respectively. This indicated the deletion of genetic fragments in the genome of WSSV. The WSSV isolate along with lab strain of WSSV was subjected to next‐generation sequencing. The sequence analysis revealed a deletion of 13,170 bp at five positions in the genome of WSSV‐NS (new strain) relative to WSSV‐TH and WSSV‐LS (lab strain). The PCR analysis using the ORF's specific primer sets revealed the complete deletion of 10 ORFs in the genome of WSSV‐NS strain. The primer set was designed based on sequence covering ORF161/162/163 to amplify a product of 2,748 bp for WSSV‐LS and 402 bp for WSSV‐NS. Our surveillance programme carried out since 2002 revealed the replacement of WSSV‐LS by WSSV‐NS in Indian shrimp culture system.     

Lessons from the past: investigating historical data from bluefin tuna fisheries

In 1963, the leading fisheries targeting Atlantic bluefin tuna ( Thunnus thynnus ) in the Norwegian Sea and North Sea suddenly collapsed without any warning. Little is known about this collapse and several hypotheses have been put forward, such as changes in migratory routes, recruitment failure or eradication of a sub-population: all of these hypotheses could result from natural causes and/or from overfishing. To help explain this mysterious event, an original data set of the main bluefin tuna fisheries of the 20th century, including total catch and size composition of the catch, has been compiled and analysed. The results reveal a strong and unambiguous link between the Nordic purse seine and Spanish trap fisheries during the 1950s and 1960s. However, this link vanished during the 1970s. In addition, the North-west Atlantic and Mediterranean trap fisheries appeared also to be partially connected to the Nordic fisheries. During the 1950s and 1960s, the main migration routes of bluefin tuna were probably from the Mediterranean spawning grounds and from the West Atlantic coasts to the Norwegian coast and North Sea, which were probably a key feeding ground at that time. The analyses also lead to the conclusion that interactions between environmental, trophic and fishing processes have probably affected bluefin tuna migration patterns which would have finally caused the Nordic fisheries collapse. This retrospective analysis finally leads to an original – albeit more speculative – hypothesis concerning Atlantic bluefin tuna population structure, therein conjectured as an assemblage of at least three sub-populations.     

Partial susceptibility of the SSN-1 fish cell line to a crustacean virus: a defective replication study

This study evaluated the possible use of the fish SSN-1 cell line to investigate the development of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV). Cells were incubated with viral particles and cytopathic effects were observed. De novo synthesis of viral capsid proteins was shown by immuno-fluorescence labelling and a sandwich ELISA test. Viral genomic replication was demonstrated by RT-PCR using primers specific to RNA-1 as well as by quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). Using electron microscopy, only a few empty particles were observed and attempts to isolate complete infectious particles or to re-infect healthy cells (second passage) were unsuccessful. As complete viral particles were rarely observed, it appeared that defaults in MrNV virogenesis might arise resulting in the formation of scarce and non-infectious particles. SSN-1 cells were found to be partially permissive to MrNV infection that induced cell lysis, but key elements for viral infection were lacking such as regulatory factors for gene replication or post-translational modifications.     

Recent expansion of Northeast Atlantic and Mediterranean populations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melicertus</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus</Emphasis>) <Emphasis Type="Italic">kerathurus</Emphasis> (Crustacea: Decapoda)

We analysed the genetic diversity of Melicertus kerathurus (Penaeidae), a commercially valuable penaeid shrimp that is distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and eastern Atlantic Ocean. We examined the polymorphism of a 494 bp DNA segment of the mitochondrial COI region in 173 individuals, sampled in nine Mediterranean and two Atlantic samples, covering the whole range of the species from the tropical waters of the Gulf of Guinea to the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. The mean nucleotide and haplotype diversities were π = 0.00275 and h = 0.718, respectively, for the global data set, with the highest values occurring in the African samples and the lowest in the Adriatic Sea. A clear sample differentiation was found (F _st = 0.194), but this did not reflect a geographical pattern and there were only faint traces of an Atlantic–Mediterranean subdivision. Mismatch analysis and a high significant negative value of Tajima’s D suggested that M. kerathurus is not at mutation drift-equilibrium, but underwent a recent expansion after a period of low effective sample size. A postglacial recolonisation of the Mediterranean from an Atlantic refuge could be hypothesised based on these data.     

In vivo virulence and genomic comparison of infectious Salmon Anaemia Virus isolates from Atlantic Canada

The infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) is capable of causing a significant disease in Atlantic salmon, which has resulted in considerable financial losses for salmon farmers around the world. Since the first detection of ISAV in Canada in 1996, it has been a high priority for aquatic animal health management and surveillance programmes have led to the identification of many genetically distinct ISAV isolates of variable virulence. In this study, we evaluated the virulence of three ISAV isolates detected in Atlantic Canada in 2012 by doing in vivo‐controlled disease challenges with two sources of Atlantic salmon. We measured viral loads in fish tissues during the course of infection. Sequences of the full viral RNA genomes of these three ISAV isolates were obtained and compared to a high‐virulence and previously characterized isolate detected in the Bay of Fundy in 2004, as well as a newly identified ISAV NA‐HPR0 isolate. All three ISAV isolates studied were shown to be of low to mid‐virulence with fish from source A having a lower mortality rate than fish from source B. Viral load estimation using an RT‐qPCR assay targeting viral segment 8 showed a high degree of similarity between tissues. Through genomic comparison, we identified various amino acid substitutions unique to some isolates, including a stop codon in the segment 8 ORF2 not previously reported in ISAV, present in the isolate with the lowest observed virulence.