小分子RNA及其在化学品毒理学中应用的展望

小分子RNA,包括siRNA、miRNA、piRNA等,在基因表达调控过程中扮演了至关重要的角色.对小分子RNA生物发生和功能的认知将有助于促进基因沉默的机制研究和基因治疗.本文归纳了近些年关于小分子RNA的重大研究成果以及应用于毒理学研究的案例,并对毒理学未来研究小分子RNA的重点和方向作出展望.     

水稻DDB1基因的表达特性及功能分析

利用RNA干涉技术构建水稻DDB1(Damaged DNA binding protein 1)基因不同启动子驱动植物表达载体,DDB1-RNAi和DDB1-glu-RNAi.通过根癌农杆菌介导转入水稻愈伤,经组织培养成功获得转基因植株.半定量RT-PCR分析显示,与野生型植株相比,两组转基因植株幼叶内DDB1的表达量...     

Diagnosis,surveillance, and treatment of the anemic fetus using middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity measurement

The in utero course of the anemic fetus has improved dramatically, owing to early diagnosis and cordocentesis transfusion. In utero invasive procedures such as amnio- and cordocentesis have become important modalities in the evaluation and treatment of anemic fetuses. However, they carry risks for both the mother and fetus. A valid and sensitive noninvasive means of following the anemic fetus is the evaluation of changes in the middle cerebral artery peak systolic flow velocity (MCA-PSV). This is a sensitive tool for both the evaluation of fetal anemia and response to treatment. Intracerebral vessels respond earliest to the fetal anemic state, and are readily accessible for ultrasound examination. We describe the methodology and evolving clinical applications of MCA-PSV measurement in the fetus, through an overview of the literature describing the development and application of MCA-PSV measurement in fetuses at risk of fetal anemia of various immune and nonimmune etiologies, illustrated by index cases from our center. MCA-PSV measurement is essential in the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of cases of fetal anemia. The use of this modality lessens the need for invasive procedures. The method is readily accessible and should be integrated into the repertoire of all obstetric ultrasound centers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The fetal cerebellum. Pitfalls in diagnosis and management

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital and acquired cerebellar disorders is possible by the use of ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although numerous studies have been conducted in this field, diagnostic uncertainties are still common in daily clinical practice. This review outlines five possible pitfalls in the diagnosis of fetal cerebellar disorders: confusion between different entities describing vermian pathologies (Dandy–Walker variant, vermian hypoplasia and vermian agenesis); premature diagnosis of abnormal vermian formation; difficulties in the ultrasonographic differentiation between the cerebellar hemispheres and the vermis; late development of cerebellar hypoplasia/atrophy and differential diagnosis of unilateral cerebellar findings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.