Patterning of the zebrafish retina by a wave of sonic hedgehog activity

The Drosophila retina is patterned by a morphogenetic wave driven by the Hedgehog signaling protein. Hedgehog, secreted by the first neurons, induces neuronal differentiation and hedgehog expression in nearby uncommitted cells, thereby propagating the wave. Evidence is presented here that the zebrafish Hedgehog homolog, Sonic Hedgehog, is also expressed in the first retinal neurons, and that Sonic Hedgehog drives a wave of neurogenesis across the retina, strikingly similar to the wave in Drosophila. The conservation of this patterning mechanism is unexpected, given the highly divergent structures of vertebrate and invertebrate eyes, and supports a common evolutionary origin of the animal visual system.     

Patched1 regulates hedgehog signaling at the primary cilium

Primary cilia are essential for transduction of the Hedgehog (Hh) signal in mammals. We investigated the role of primary cilia in regulation of Patched1 (Ptc1), the receptor for Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). Ptc1 localized to cilia and inhibited Smoothened (Smo) by preventing its accumulation within cilia. When Shh bound to Ptc1, Ptc1 left the cilia, leading to accumulation of Smo and activation of signaling. Thus, primary cilia sense Shh and transduce signals that play critical roles in development, carcinogenesis, and stem cell function.     

Progression of vertebrate limb development through SHH-mediated counteraction of GLI3

Distal limb development and specification of digit identities in tetrapods are under the control of a mesenchymal organizer called the polarizing region. Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is the morphogenetic signal produced by the polarizing region in the posterior limb bud. Ectopic anterior SHH signaling induces digit duplications and has been suspected as a major cause underlying congenital malformations that result in digit polydactyly. Here, we report that the polydactyly of Gli3-deficient mice arises independently of SHH signaling. Disruption of one or both Gli3 alleles in mouse embryos lacking Shh progressively restores limb distal development and digit formation. Our genetic analysis indicates that SHH signaling counteracts GLI3-mediated repression of key regulator genes, cell survival, and distal progression of limb bud development.     

The limb bud Shh-Fgf feedback loop is terminated by expansion of former ZPA cells

Vertebrate limb outgrowth is driven by a positive feedback loop involving Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Gremlin, and Fgf4. By overexpressing individual components of the loop at a time after these genes are normally down-regulated in chicken embryos, we found that Shh no longer maintains Gremlin in the posterior limb. Shh-expressing cells and their descendants cannot express Gremlin. The proliferation of these descendants forms a barrier separating the Shh signal from Gremlin-expressing cells, which breaks down the Shh-Fgf4 loop and thereby affects limb size and provides a mechanism explaining regulative properties of the limb bud.     

The Hedgehog pathway promotes blood-brain barrier integrity and CNS immune quiescence

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is composed of tightly bound endothelial cells (ECs) and perivascular astrocytes that regulate central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. We showed that astrocytes secrete Sonic hedgehog and that BBB ECs express Hedgehog (Hh) receptors, which together promote BBB formation and integrity during embryonic development and adulthood. Using pharmacological inhibition and genetic inactivation of the Hh signaling pathway in ECs, we also demonstrated a critical role of the Hh pathway in promoting the immune quiescence of BBB ECs by decreasing the expression of proinflammatory mediators and the adhesion and migration of leukocytes, in vivo and in vitro. Overall, the Hh pathway provides a barrier-promoting effect and an endogenous anti-inflammatory balance to CNS-directed immune attacks, as occurs in multiple sclerosis.     

Activity-dependent internalization of smoothened mediated by beta-arrestin 2 and GRK2

Binding of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) to Patched (Ptc) relieves the latter's tonic inhibition of Smoothened (Smo), a receptor that spans the cell membrane seven times. This initiates signaling which, by unknown mechanisms, regulates vertebrate developmental processes. We find that two molecules interact with mammalian Smo in an activation-dependent manner: G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) leads to phosphorylation of Smo, and beta-arrestin 2 fused to green fluorescent protein interacts with Smo. These two processes promote endocytosis of Smo in clathrin-coated pits. Ptc inhibits association of beta-arrestin 2 with Smo, and this inhibition is relieved in cells treated with Shh. A Smo agonist stimulated and a Smo antagonist (cyclopamine) inhibited both phosphorylation of Smo by GRK2 and interaction of beta-arrestin 2 with Smo. beta-Arrestin 2 and GRK2 are thus potential mediators of signaling by activated Smo.     

中华绒螯蟹脑和胸腹神经团的组织学观察

利用组织切片技术研究中华绒螯蟹(Eriocheir sinensis)脑和胸腹神经团的形态学和组织学结构。结果表明中华绒螯蟹的脑位于2个眼柄基部之间,由前脑、中脑、后脑和各部分发出的神经束组成;在脑的切片中可以观察到多种髓质和不同类型的细胞体群。中华绒螯蟹胸腹神经团呈圆盘状,靠近腹甲中央,向外发出多条神经束;在其切片中也可观察到多种类型的细胞体群。详细地描述了中华绒螯蟹的脑和胸腹神经团的组织学结构,为进一步研究中华绒螯蟹的神经分泌细胞奠定了基础,同时也为研究其它甲壳类生物的脑和胸腹神经团的组织结构提供参考。     

Inhibition of neuroepithelial patched-induced apoptosis by sonic hedgehog

During early development in vertebrates, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is produced by the notochord and the floor plate. A ventrodorsal gradient of Shh directs ventrodorsal patterning of the neural tube. However, Shh is also required for the survival of neuroepithelial cells. We show that Patched (Ptc) induces apoptotic cell death unless its ligand Shh is present to block the signal. Moreover, the blockade of Ptc-induced cell death partly rescues the chick spinal cord defect provoked by Shh deprivation. Thus, the proapoptotic activity of unbound Ptc and the positive effect of Shh-bound Ptc on cell differentiation probably cooperate to achieve the appropriate spinal cord development.     

Neuronal cytomechanics: the actin-based motility of growth cones

The patterns of synaptic connection that underlie brain function depend on the elaborate forms characteristic of neurons. It is therefore a central goal of neuroscience to understand the molecular basis for neuronal shape. Neuronal pathfinding during development is one major determinant of neuronal shape: growing nerve axons and dendrites must navigate, branch, and locate targets in response to extracellular cue molecules within the embryo. The leading tips of growing nerve processes, structures known as growth cones, contain especially high concentrations of the ubiquitous mechanochemical protein actin. Force generation involving this cytoskeletal molecule appears to be essential to the ability of growing nerve fibers to respond structurally to extracellular cues. New results from electronically enhanced light microscopy of living growth cones are helping to show how actin-based forces guide neurite growth and synapse formation.     

Deconstructing the hedgehog pathway in development and disease

The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted signaling proteins is a master regulator of cell fate determination in metazoans, contributing to both pattern formation during embryonic development and postembryonic tissue homeostasis. In a universally used mode of action, graded distribution of Hh protein induces differential cell fate in a dose-dependent manner in cells that receive Hh. Though much of this pathway has been elucidated from genetically based studies in model organisms, such as Drosophila and mice, the importance of Hh-mediated signaling in humans is clearly evident from malformations and a broad range of cancers that arise when the pathway is corrupted.     

水稻短宽粒基因SWG1的图位克隆

【目的】水稻产量由单位面积有效穗数、每穗粒数和粒重3个因素构成,其中,粒重主要由水稻的籽粒形态决定。筛选和鉴定新的粒型突变材料和基因,可为产量性状的分子设计育种奠定基础。【方法】在籼稻保持系西大1B(XD1B)的甲基磺酸乙酯（EMS）诱变群体中鉴定到一个短宽粒突变体short and widen grain 1(swg1);分析籽粒形态和其他农艺性状,并对颖壳进行组织细胞学观察分析;运用BSA法进行基因定位;通过遗传互补试验确定候选基因;采用qRT-PCR分析该基因的表达模式及其他粒型相关基因和细胞发育基因的表达水平。【结果】农艺性状分析发现,与野生型相比,swg1突变体粒长显著降低,粒宽显著增加,表现出短宽粒的表型;进一步组织和细胞学分析,发现突变体颖壳纵向细胞变短是粒长变短的主要原因,而粒宽增加是由于颖壳横向细胞数目和细胞大小同时增加。遗传分析结果表明,该突变性状受隐性单基因控制,通过图位克隆与遗传互补验证,确定候选基因为LOC＿Os07g42410,编码一个植物特异转录因子。qRT-PCR分析发现该基因表达无明显的组织特异性,在茎、叶、幼穗中表达强烈。通过对已知粒型相关基因、细胞...     

The human immunodeficiency virus: infectivity and mechanisms of pathogenesis

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in a profound immunosuppression due predominantly to a selective depletion of helper/inducer T lymphocytes that express the receptor for the virus (the CD4 molecule). HIV also has tropism for the brain leading to neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Besides inducing cell death, HIV can interfere with T4 cell function by various mechanisms. The monocyte serves as a reservoir for HIV and is relatively refractory to its cytopathic effects. HIV can exist in a latent or chronic form which can be converted to a productive infection by a variety of inductive signals.     

紫苏腺毛的形态结构和发育的研究

 应用光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜对紫苏腺毛的形态结构和发育进行了研究。紫苏腺毛起源于原表皮细胞,由1个基细胞、1个柄细胞和由2个或8个分泌细胞构成的头部3部份组成。根据头部分泌细胞的数目及其大小,紫苏腺毛可分成两类:大腺毛具有8个分泌细胞的头部,分布于叶脉之间;小腺毛头部有2个分泌细胞,位于叶脉之上。     

Structural studies on transfer RNA: the molecular conformation in solution

Small-angle x-ray scattering curves from four different species of transfer RNA in solution indicate that the molecules are of very similar size and shape. A model which has regions of the molecule folded tightly around a long helical core gives good agreement with the observed scattering curves.     

生长调节剂对猴头子实体生殖生长及发育的影响

本实验用赤霉素和２．４—Ｄ分别用筛选出的最适浓度和剂量，分两次喷施于猴头幼小子实体上，处理后采收同期生长的子实体，制成石蜡组织切片，并进行显微镜观察。结果表明：与对照组相比，赤霉素和２．４—Ｄ对猴头子实体细胞的伸长，担子形成，分化和担孢子成熟有明显的促进作用，从而为其能提高猴头产量，缩短猴头生长周期提供了理论依据     

The brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis

The brain of Homo floresiensis was assessed by comparing a virtual endocast from the type specimen (LB1) with endocasts from great apes, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens, a human pygmy, a human microcephalic, specimen number Sts 5 (Australopithecus africanus), and specimen number WT 17000 (Paranthropus aethiopicus). Morphometric, allometric, and shape data indicate that LB1 is not a microcephalic or pygmy. LB1's brain/body size ratio scales like that of an australopithecine, but its endocast shape resembles that of Homo erectus. LB1 has derived frontal and temporal lobes and a lunate sulcus in a derived position, which are consistent with capabilities for higher cognitive processing.     

A glycophospholipid tail at the carboxyl terminus of the Thy-1 glycoprotein of neurons and thymocytes

Cell surface molecules of eukaryotic cells have been considered to be integrated into the membrane bilayer by a transmembrane protein sequence. The Thy-1 antigen of rodent thymocytes and brain was the first eukaryotic membrane molecule for which biochemical data clearly suggested membrane integration via a nonprotein tail. Direct evidence is now presented showing that a glycophospholipid structure is attached to the carboxyl-terminal cysteine residue and that 31 carboxyl-terminal amino acids predicted from the Thy-1 complementary DNA sequence are not present in the mature glycoprotein. These experimental results raise questions concerning signaling across a cell membrane since antibodies to Thy-1 can stimulate T lymphocytes to release lymphokines and undergo cell division.     

Specification and morphogenesis of astrocytes

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain. Interest in astrocyte function has increased dramatically in recent years because of their newly discovered roles in synapse formation, maturation, efficacy, and plasticity. However, our understanding of astrocyte development has lagged behind that of other brain cell types. We do not know the molecular mechanism by which astrocytes are specified, how they grow to assume their complex morphologies, and how they interact with and sculpt developing neuronal circuits. Recent work has provided a basic understanding of how intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms govern the production of astrocytes from precursor cells and the generation of astrocyte diversity. Moreover, new studies of astrocyte morphology have revealed that mature astrocytes are extraordinarily complex, interact with many thousands of synapses, and tile with other astrocytes to occupy unique spatial domains in the brain. A major challenge for the field is to understand how astrocytes talk to each other, and to neurons, during development to establish appropriate astrocytic and neuronal network architectures.     

Evolution of shape by multiple regulatory changes to a growth gene

The genetic changes responsible for morphological differences between species are largely unidentified. Such changes can involve modifications of growth that are relevant to understanding evolution, development, and disease. We identified a gene that induces male-specific wing size and shape differences between Nasonia wasp species. Fine-scale mapping and in situ hybridization reveal that changes in at least three regions (two strictly in noncoding sequence) around the gene unpaired-like (upd-like) cause changes in spatial and temporal expression of upd-like in the developing wing and corresponding changes in wing width. Upd-like shows homology to the Drosophila unpaired gene, a well-studied signaling protein that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Our results indicate how multiple changes in the regulation of upd-like are involved in microevolution of morphological and sex-specific differences between species.     

独行菜族叶片脉序及其分类学意义

通过对十字花科独行菜族５属３６种植物叶片脉序的观察，发现它们的脉序可分为５种种类，即；拟环结曲行羽状脉，结节曲行羽状脉，基出完全掌状脉，拟直行羽状脉，直行羽状脉，这些类型可做为区别属间的较好性状，在网眼大小，形状，发育状况，叶缘末级脉上存在着共性，说明它们的亲缘关系较为密切，最后在系统演化作了一些探讨。