海洋破囊壶菌△~5-延长酶和△~4-脱饱和酶在酿酒酵母中的共表达

二十二碳六烯酸(Docosahexaenoic acid,DHA C22:6n-3)是具有各种重要生理功能的高度不饱和脂肪酸.分别以质粒pYTFD5和pYFAD4为模板,扩增获得860 bp的△5-延长酶基因(elo5)和1 600 bp的△4-脱饱和酶基因(fad4).利用重叠延伸PCR构建elo5-fad4融合基因,Hind Ⅲ/Sph Ⅰ双酶切后连接到经同样处理过的pYES2.0载体,构建重组表达质粒pYEL05-FAD4.转化酿酒酵母尿嘧啶缺陷型菌株INVScl,通过缺少尿嘧啶的选择性培养基筛选阳性克隆子.添加外源脂肪酸C20:5底物.半乳糖诱导表达.气相色谱-质谱分析表明,重组酵母总脂肪酸中出现了DHA(二十二碳六烯酸,C22:6n-63)新产物,融合基因elo5-fad4在酿酒酵母中得到了表达.图7表1参18     

中药青蒿鲨烯合酶的大肠杆菌表达、纯化与功能鉴定

利用PCR方法,将经RACE方法克隆到的中药青蒿鲨烯合酶cDNA(AF302464)开放阅读框的3′末端截短99bp,插入到原核表达载体pET30a( )的NcoⅠ和BamHⅠ酶切位点之间,构建N端和C端均携带有HIS6表达标签的鲨烯合酶重组表达载体pETSSA.将pETSSA转入大肠杆菌BL21(DE3),0.5mmol/LIPTG(isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside)28℃诱导重组鲨烯合酶的表达.表达产物经镍琼脂糖柱纯化.纯化蛋白加入酶促反应体系(含FPP和NADPH),GC-MS分析酶促反应体系的正己烷萃取物,结果显示重组鲨烯合酶可以催化FPP向鲨烯的转化.青蒿鲨烯合酶的功能鉴定为进一步利用反义或RNAi技术限制甾类生物合成,从而提高青蒿中的青蒿素含量提供了基础.图5参15     

Bt抗性和敏感棉铃虫幼虫中肠主要蛋白酶活性的变化

采用酶特异性底物测定了3龄和5龄Bt抗性/敏感棉铃虫品系幼虫中肠蛋白酶活性的最适pH值.结果表明,3龄和5龄Bt抗性/敏感棉铃虫幼虫中肠总蛋白酶活性最适pH值均为10.5;强碱性类胰蛋白酶活性最适pH值除3龄Bt抗性幼虫为8.0外,其余均为10.5;弱碱性类胰蛋白酶活性的最适pH值为8.0;类胰凝乳蛋白酶的最适pH值除5龄Bt抗性幼虫的为8.0外,其余都为8.5.比较了最适pH值条件下,3龄和5龄Bt抗性/敏感棉铃虫幼虫中肠蛋白酶活性的差异.发现3龄和5龄Bt抗性/敏感棉铃虫幼虫中肠总蛋白酶活力差异不显著;两个品系3龄幼虫中肠强碱性类胰蛋白酶活性差异达到极显著水平,5龄幼虫中肠强碱性类胰蛋白酶活性差异不明显;两个品系3龄幼虫中肠弱碱性类胰蛋白酶活力差异没有达到显著水平,而5龄幼虫弱碱性类胰蛋白酶活力差异极显著;另外,3龄和5龄Bt抗性/敏感棉铃虫幼虫类胰凝乳蛋白酶活力差异极显著.棉铃虫幼虫中肠酸碱强度和某些蛋白酶活性的变化,可能是造成棉铃虫抗性演化的因素之一.图2表1参17     

甘蓝型油菜脂肪酸链延长酶基因FAE1的克隆与原核表达

脂肪酸延长酶1(FAE1)是广泛存在于植物中并定位于内质网上的一种能催化脂肪酸碳链延长的酮脂酰CoA合成酶.根据Genbank上已知的植物FAE1基因设计引物,以从甘蓝型油菜叶片中提取的总DNA为模板,进行PCR扩增,获得了1380bp的片段.回收该片段,并连接到pMD18-T载体测序.序列比对结果说明了该片段与植物中已知的FAE1序列有极高的相似性,并且不存在内含子序列.将该片段通过高保真酶扩增,EcoRⅠ酶切消化后定向克隆到pGEX-2T表达载体中,在IPTG诱导下于28℃表达出Mr76×103的蛋白质条带.用兔抗GST多克隆抗体做第一抗体进行Western-blot检测,并获得阳性检测结果.这为甘蓝型油菜脂肪酸链延长酶基因FAE1功能的进一步研究奠定了基础.图4表1参14     

肺炎嗜衣原体主要外膜蛋白基因片段在大肠杆菌中的表达与鉴定

表达肺炎嗜衣原体（Chlamydia pneumoniae,Cpn）主要外膜蛋白（MOMP）的可变区VD2-VD3区．纯化产物并进行免疫活性分析,为探索重组蛋白在肺炎嗜衣原体血清学诊断中的应用提供资料．应用聚合酶联反应（PCR）技术,从肺炎嗜衣原体标准株AR-39的MOMP上扩增出抗原优势表住VD2-VD3区,将目的片段定向插入pET-30a载体,转化大肠杆菌B121,IPTG诱导表达并以Ni-NTA亲和层析柱纯化表达产物并行western-blot鉴定．成功构建了pET-30a-MOMPVD2-VD3的原核表达系统,表达并纯化出相对分子质量（Mr）为24×10^3Da的重组蛋白．Western-blot证实重组蛋白能与Cpn MOMP多克隆抗体发生特异性反应．肺炎嗜衣原体的MOMPVD2-VD3基因可以在大肠杆菌中得到表达,其表达产物能与相应的抗体结合,为肺炎嗜衣原体诊断候选抗原的研究奠定了基础．图4,参9．     

用单个特异引物扩增桃ACC氧化酶cDNA及其在大肠杆菌中的表达

用单个特异引物和通用引物ｏｌｉｇｏ（ｄＴ）１５从桃受伤叶片ｃＤＮＡ中扩增出１．３ｋｂ左右大小的片段．将该扩增产物克隆并对重组克隆作酶切分析发现至少可分为３类．用桃ＡＣＣ氧化酶基因组ＤＮＡ为探针进行点杂交表明,４,７,９,１０,１１,１２重组质粒能与之杂交,其中７,９,１０,１１,１２号重组质粒酶切图谱与已报导的桃果实成熟相关的ＡＣＣ氧化酶ｃＤＮＡ基因基本一致,而４号克隆则不同．ＤＮＡ序列分析和ＰＣＲ鉴定表明,插入片段均由５′端特异引物单个引物扩增出来,对７号重组克隆插入片段ＤＮＡ全序列分析表明,７号重组克隆插入片段全长１１４６ｂｐ,包含了除启始密码子外的全部编码区和１９２ｂｐ的３′端非编码区．通过补上起始密码子ＡＴＧ构建重组表达载体,在大肠杆菌中表达出３５×１０３的非融合蛋白     

碱性果胶酯裂解酶工程菌的构建

从本研究室筛选的BacillussubtilisWSHB04-02菌株中扩增出编码碱性果胶酯裂解酶的结构基因PL,将其插入大肠杆菌分泌表达载体pET22b( )多克隆位点,得到重组载体pET22b( )PL.序列分析表明,所获PL基因与已报道的B.subtilisSO113的PL基因的同源性为98%.重组载体在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中得到表达.SDS-PAGE分析显示,表达产物的分子量(Mr)均为43×103,同核酸序列测定所推导的值相符.该工程菌经IPTG诱导后,胞内酶活为8U/mL.研究发现,碱性果胶酯裂解酶不仅在胞内有酶活,胞外也有酶活,说明所构建的表达体系可使该酶向胞外分泌.图3表1参6     

嗜热子囊菌光孢变种β-葡萄糖苷酶的基因克隆、表达及酶学性质分析

从嗜热子囊菌光孢变种(Thermoascus aurantiacus var.levisporus)RNA中通过RT-PCR克隆出β-葡萄糖苷酶基因bgl Ⅰ的全长序列,cDNA序列为2 672 bp.Genbank登录号为EU269025,将该片段插入巴斯德毕赤酵母Pichia pastoris分泌型表达载体pPIC9K中,获得重组质粒pPIC9K/bgl,经线性化后用电穿孔法导入毕赤酵母GS115中,在醇氧化酶AOXI基因启动子作用下,获得高效表达β-葡萄糖苷酶的毕赤酵母工程菌株.经DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow阴离子层析纯化了该重组表达蛋白.SDS-PAGER测得该重组蛋白相对分子质量(M)约为120×103.经甲醇诱导,培养基中β-葡萄糖苷酶的活力可达1.2 U/mg,小规模发酵量达0.45 mg/mL.该酶的最适反应温度为60℃,最适反应pH为5.0.于70℃保温30 min仍保持80%的酶活力,具有较高的热稳定性,在pH 3.0～9.0的条件下酸碱耐受性强.图6表1参22     

嗜热脂肪芽孢杆菌过氧化氢酶基因perA在大肠杆菌中的高效表达

利用PCR技术得到嗜热脂肪芽孢杆菌 (Bacillusstearothermophilus)过氧化氢酶基因 perA ,将该基因与表达载体 pKK2 2 3 3连接构建重组质粒pK perA ,转化大肠杆菌过氧化氢酶HPⅠ和HPⅡ双缺突变株UM 2 ,得到重组大肠杆菌UM 2 1.酶活测定结果表明 ,表达产物具有正常的生物学活性 .SDS PAGE电泳结果显示出明显的特异性表达条带 ,单体Mr =86× 10 3 ,与嗜热脂肪芽孢杆菌所产酶相同 .实验表明 ,重组质粒在宿主UM 2中有较好的稳定性 ,在无选择压力条件下传代 6 0次基本保持稳定 ,传代 10 0次重组质粒保留 80 %以上 .摇瓶实验确定重组菌的最佳表达条件为 :IPTG浓度 ,0 .75mmol/L ;诱导时间 3h ;培养基起始 pH 6 .5 ;诱导温度 37℃ ;装液量 5 0mL/ 2 5 0mL .在优化条件下 ,重组菌产生的过氧化氢酶占菌体总蛋白的 8% ,酶活力可达 35U/mL ,是原始菌株BacillusstearothermophilusIAM110 0 1的 11.7倍 .图 2表 1参 10     

牛蛙生长激素基因在COS7细胞中的转染表达

应用RT-PCR技术克隆牛蛙生长激素(BfGH)的cDNA,T-A克隆法构建反向插入的pMD18-T/BfGH重组质粒,回收BamHⅠ酶切的BfGH cDNA片段,并与去磷酸化处理的真核表达载体VR1020/BamHⅠ,酶切鉴定方法筛选BfGH正向插入的重组真核表达质粒VBfGH.脂质体法介导质粒VBfGH转染哺乳动物细胞COS7,对转染后的COS7细胞进行RT-PCR、ELISA和免疫荧光检测,分别在转录和翻译水平证实BfGH基因在COS7细胞中得到了正确的转染表达.图4表1参17     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

Cost‐effective conservation of an endangered frog under uncertainty

How should managers choose among conservation options when resources are scarce and there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of actions? Well‐developed tools exist for prioritizing areas for one‐time and binary actions (e.g., protect vs. not protect), but methods for prioritizing incremental or ongoing actions (such as habitat creation and maintenance) remain uncommon. We devised an approach that combines metapopulation viability and cost‐effectiveness analyses to select among alternative conservation actions while accounting for uncertainty. In our study, cost‐effectiveness is the ratio between the benefit of an action and its economic cost, where benefit is the change in metapopulation viability. We applied the approach to the case of the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), which is threatened by urban development. We extended a Bayesian model to predict metapopulation viability under 9 urbanization and management scenarios and incorporated the full probability distribution of possible outcomes for each scenario into the cost‐effectiveness analysis. This allowed us to discern between cost‐effective alternatives that were robust to uncertainty and those with a relatively high risk of failure. We found a relatively high risk of extinction following urbanization if the only action was reservation of core habitat; habitat creation actions performed better than enhancement actions; and cost‐effectiveness ranking changed depending on the consideration of uncertainty. Our results suggest that creation and maintenance of wetlands dedicated to L. raniformis is the only cost‐effective action likely to result in a sufficiently low risk of extinction. To our knowledge we are the first study to use Bayesian metapopulation viability analysis to explicitly incorporate parametric and demographic uncertainty into a cost‐effective evaluation of conservation actions. The approach offers guidance to decision makers aiming to achieve cost‐effective conservation under uncertainty.