Cloning and expression analysis of TSK1, a wheat SKP1 homologue, and functional comparison with Arabidopsis ASK1 in male meiosis and auxin signalling

2006 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chijun Li ◽  
Yu Liang ◽  
Changbin Chen ◽  
Junhua Li ◽  
Yunyuan Xu ◽  
...  

Plants possess multiple homologues of the SKP1 gene encoding an essential subunit of the SCF ubiquitin ligases, but only ASK1 (Arabidopsis SKP1-like 1) and ASK2 have been characterised genetically. In addition, little is known about the function of SKP1 homologues in monocots. Here we report on a winter wheat homologue of SKP1 named TSK1 (Triticum aestivum SKP1-like 1). Expression analyses revealed that it was expressed predominantly in young roots and floral buds. RNA in situ hybridisation showed that it was expressed in the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and anthers, especially the tapetum and microsporocytes at the time of meiosis. It was also expressed in almost the entire meristematic and elongation zones of the root. These observations indicated that TSK1 might function in dividing cells. The Arabidopsis ask1-1 mutant with overexpressed TSK1 driven by the CaMV 35S promoter exhibited partial fertility, suggesting that TSK1 could partially restore function in meiosis to the ask1-1 mutant. In addition, overexpression of TSK1 in wild type Arabidopsis resulted in changes in auxin responses and auxin-related phenotypes, consistent with a role of ASK1 in Arabidopsis auxin response. These results suggest possible functional conservation between TSK1 and ASK1.

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (7) ◽  
pp. 693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon E. Mitchell ◽  
John J. Robinson ◽  
Margaret E. King ◽  
Lynda M. Williams

In sheep, inflammation not only functions in cervical dilation at parturition, but also plays an important part in the non-pregnant ewe cervix, as demonstrated by the high level of expression of interleukin (IL)-8 at oestrus. Ewes artificially induced to ovulate have significantly lower levels of IL-8 gene expression at oestrus compared with natural oestrus, indicating an inhibition of inflammation and function, offering an explanation for the low rates of conception in vaginally inseminated synchronised ewes. To identify potential pro-inflammatory agents to combat the anti-inflammatory effects of hormonal synchronisation of oestrus, we have investigated the role of proteinase-activated receptor (PAR)-1 and PAR-2. To localise and measure the level of expression of these receptors, ovine-specific probes were derived for PAR-1 and PAR-2 and used for quantitative in situ hybridisation in the ovine cervix. Both PAR-1 and PAR-2 were expressed in the luminal epithelium of the cervix throughout the oestrous cycle, with expression being highest at oestrus. The gene expression of PAR-2 at oestrus was approximately 30% higher than that of PAR-1. Artificial synchronisation of oestrus by either an intravaginal progesterone sponge or prostaglandin F2α injections did not inhibit PAR-1 or PAR-2 expression at oestrus; rather, in the case of PAR-2, progesterone synchronisation increased it. Both synchronising procedures increased the expression of PAR-1 and PAR-2 during the luteal phase of the cycle. Therefore, agonists of PAR-1 and PAR-2 may be potentially useful pro-inflammatory agents countering the inhibition of inflammation by hormonal synchronisation.


1997 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Lloyd ◽  
Gavin Dixon ◽  
Xu Feng Huang ◽  
Phillip Ward ◽  
Stan Catts ◽  
...  

Objective:To highlight the potential role of molecular biological studies in examining the expression of genes of interest in brain tissue to elucidate the pathophysiological basis of the major psychoses. Method:To review the principles underlying the available techniques for expression studies. Results:Detection of messenger RNA by in situ hybridisation and quantitation by Northern analysis are powerful tools to detect abnormalities in gene expression in brain tissue. Conclusion:The availability of simple techniques to examine the expression of RNA and protein products of individual genes, including examination at the level of individual cells, offers a clear opportunity to define the molecular basis of the major psychoses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chooi Yeng Lee ◽  
ShengYun Li ◽  
Xiao Feng Li ◽  
Daniel A. E. Stalker ◽  
Claire Cooke ◽  
...  

RFamide-related peptide (RFRP)-3 reduces luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in rodents. Stress has been shown to upregulate the expression of the RFRP gene (Rfrp) with a concomitant reduction in LH secretion, but an effect on expression of the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) gene (Gnrh1) has not been shown. We hypothesised that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced stress affects expression of Rfrp, the gene for kisspeptin (Kiss1) and/or Gnrh1, leading to suppression of LH levels in rats. Intracerebroventricular injections of RFRP-3 (0.1, 1, 5 nmol) or i.v. LPS (15μgkg−1) reduced LH levels. Doses of 1 and 5 nmol RFRP-3 were then administered to analyse gene expression by in situ hybridisation. RFRP-3 (5 nmol) had no effect on Gnrh1 or Kiss1 expression. LPS stress reduced GnRH and Kiss1 expression, without affecting Rfrp1 expression. These data indicate that LPS stress directly or indirectly reduces Gnrh1 expression, but this is unlikely to be due to a change in Rfrp1 expression.


1999 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Keil ◽  
B Husen ◽  
J Giebel ◽  
G Rune ◽  
R Walther

In the present study we demonstrate for the first time the expression of glycodelin mRNA in the female and male genital tracts of rats using non-radioactive in situ hybridisation. Glycodelin fragment 1 (+41 to +141) shares 100% homology with the human gene sequence. In the ovary, glycodelin mRNA was restricted to granulosa cells. In the uterus, glycodelin mRNA was expressed in all epithelial cells of the endometrium. In the male reproductive tract, glycodelin mRNA was distributed in all epithelial cells of the epididymis, the prostate and the seminal vesicle. However, in the testis, glycodelin mRNA was predominantly found in spermatogonia and in spermatocytes of the seminiferous epithelium. The expression in several reproductive organs of rats offers an excellent tool to study further the physiological role of glycodelin, which is so far thought to act as an immunosuppressive factor.


2009 ◽  
Vol 62 (10) ◽  
pp. 915-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
M V Shingde ◽  
M Buckland ◽  
K J Busam ◽  
S W McCarthy ◽  
J Wilmott ◽  
...  

Aims:To perform a clinicopathological analysis of a series of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcomas/primitive neuroectodermal tumours (ES/PNET) to highlight the pathological features, discuss the differential diagnosis, emphasise the role of molecular testing (particularly fluorescence in situ hybridisation, FISH) in diagnosis and outline the patients’ clinical course.Methods:Seven cases of primary cutaneous ES/PNET were identified from the authors’ consultation files.Results:The patients were aged 16–61 years (median 25). Five were female and two were male. Five cases involved the limbs and two the trunk. Five were initially misdiagnosed (three as carcinoma and two as melanoma). All cases were characterised histologically by sheet-like growth of small round cells with little cytoplasm and showed strong membranous staining for CD99 and positive but variable staining for FLI-1. Six patients showed an EWS rearrangement (five on FISH analysis and one on RT-PCR). All tumours were completely excised. Three patients received adjuvant chemotherapy, one of whom also received radiotherapy. Follow-up was available in all cases (range 11–57 months; median 41). No recurrences or metastases occurred.Conclusions:Although rare, primary cutaneous ES/PNET should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cutaneous “small blue cell tumours”. Immunostaining for FLI-1 and molecular testing for evidence of an EWS rearrangement are useful ancillary investigations to confirm the diagnosis. The prognosis of primary cutaneous ES/PNET appears to be more favourable than extracutaneous ES/PNET.


Author(s):  
Sarah J Holdsworth-Carson ◽  
Molly Churchill ◽  
Jacqueline F Donoghue ◽  
Sally Mortlock ◽  
Jenny N Fung ◽  
...  

Abstract Endometriosis is a complex disease, influenced by genetic factors. Genetic markers associated with endometriosis exist at chromosome 1p36.12 and lead to altered expression of the long intergenic non-coding RNA 339 (LINC00339), however the role of LINC00339 in endometriosis pathophysiology remains unknown. The aim of this work was to characterise the expression patterns of LINC00339 mRNA in endometrium and endometriotic lesions in situ and to determine the functional role of LINC00339 in human endometrium. We employed RNA-sequencing, quantitative RT-PCR and in situ hybridisation to investigate the abundance of LINC00339 transcripts in endometrium and endometrial cell lines and to describe the pattern and localisation of LINC00339 expression in endometrium and endometriotic lesions. LINC00339 mRNA expression was manipulated (overexpressed and silenced) in endometrial stomal cell lines and RNA-sequencing data from overexpression models were analysed using online bioinformatics platforms (STRING and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis) to determine functional processes. We demonstrated the expression of LINC00339 in endometriotic lesions for the first time; we found LINC00339 expression was restricted to the lesion foci and absent in surrounding non-lesion tissue. Furthermore, manipulation of LINC00339 expression in endometrial stromal cell lines significantly impacted the expression of genes involved in immune defense pathways. These studies identify a novel mechanism for LINC00339 activity in endometrium and endometriosis, paving the way for future work, which is essential for understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Arbabi ◽  
Qun Li ◽  
Belinda A Henry ◽  
Iain J Clarke

The role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) on gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion was investigated in ovariectomised (OVX) ewes, in which GnRH and luteinising hormone (LH) secretion had been restrained by treatment with estrogen and progesterone. Guide tubes for microinjection were placed above the ME and the animals allowed to recover for 1 month. Jugular venous blood samples were taken via cannulae at 10 min intervals. Vehicle (50nl) was injected into the ME at 2h, followed by injection of GLP-1 ((7-36)-amide - 0.5 or 1 nmole) or its receptor agonist, exendin 4 (0.5 nmole) at 4h (n=5). Plasma LH levels were quantified as a surrogate measure of GnRH secretion. GLP-1 microinjection into the ME elicited a large amplitude LH pulse in jugular plasma, the effect was greater at the higher dose. Exendin-4 microinjection caused a large, sustained increase in plasma LH levels. To determine how GLP-1 might exert an effect on GnRH secretion, we employed double labelled in situ hybridisation, with RNAScope, for co-localisation of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in GnRH, Kisspeptin and NPY cells in the hypothalami of 3 ewes in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. GLP-1R expression was clearly visible but the receptor was not expressed in GNRH1 or NPY expressing neurons and was visualised in <5% of KISS1 expressing neurons. We conclude that GLP-1 may act at the level of the secretory terminals of GnRH neurons in the ME to stimulate GnRH secretion, the pathway through which such effect is manifest remains unknown.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher A. Hylton ◽  
John E. Tomkiel Dean

Pairings between heterologous chromosomes in meiosis can lead to nondisjunction and the production of aneuploid gametes. To minimize these aberrant outcomes, organisms have evolved mechanisms to disrupt such improper pairings prior to orientation and segregation. In the male fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, bivalents segregate to distinct nuclear domains in prophase I, and it has been proposed that the formation of these distinct territories may play a role in disrupting interactions between limited homologies on heterologous chromosomes. To test this, we used fluorescent in situ hybridization to examine pairing between the X chromosome and Dp(1;3) chromosomes in which a segment of the X had been transposed to chromosome 3. We found that 120kb of homology was sufficient to insure nearly complete pairing but was not sufficient to direct merotelic segregation of the paired elements, suggesting that such pairings were being disrupted. We compared the perdurance of X / Dp(1;3) pairings to that of X / Dp(1;Y) pairings (in which homologs are paired),and found that heterologous pairings were disrupted at a higher frequency at the S2b stage of prophase I, the stage at which territory formation is initiated. Our results support the model that movement of bivalents into distinct domains in prophase I provides a mechanism to disrupt pairings between limited regions of homology, and thus may be one means of preventing improper segregation of heterologs in this organism.


Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Carlo Breda ◽  
Ezio Rosato ◽  
Charalambos P. Kyriacou

In this paper, we review the role of the norpA-encoded phospholipase C in light and thermal entrainment of the circadian clock in Drosophila melanogaster. We extend our discussion to the role of norpA in the thermo-sensitive splicing of the per 3′ UTR, which has significant implications for seasonal adaptations of circadian behaviour. We use the norpA mutant-generated enhancement of per splicing and the corresponding advance that it produces in the morning (M) and evening (E) locomotor component to dissect out the neurons that are contributing to this norpA phenotype using GAL4/UAS. We initially confirmed, by immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridisation in adult brains, that norpA expression is mostly concentrated in the eyes, but we were unable to unequivocally reveal norpA expression in the canonical clock cells using these methods. In larval brains, we did see some evidence for co-expression of NORPA with PDF in clock neurons. Nevertheless, downregulation of norpA in clock neurons did generate behavioural advances in adults, with the eyes playing a significant role in the norpA seasonal phenotype at high temperatures, whereas the more dorsally located CRYPTOCHROME-positive clock neurons are the likely candidates for generating the norpA behavioural effects in the cold. We further show that knockdown of the related plc21C encoded phospholipase in clock neurons does not alter per splicing nor generate any of the behavioural advances seen with norpA. Our results with downregulating norpA and plc21C implicate the rhodopsins Rh2/Rh3/Rh4 in the eyes as mediating per 3′ UTR splicing at higher temperatures and indicate that the CRY-positive LNds, also known as ‘evening’ cells are likely mediating the low-temperature seasonal effects on behaviour via altering per 3′UTR splicing.


Gut ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 513-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xia Chen ◽  
Pan Li ◽  
Mian Liu ◽  
Huimin Zheng ◽  
Yan He ◽  
...  

ObjectivePre-eclampsia (PE) is one of the malignant metabolic diseases that complicate pregnancy. Gut dysbiosis has been identified for causing metabolic diseases, but the role of gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of PE remains unknown.DesignWe performed a case–control study to compare the faecal microbiome of PE and normotensive pregnant women by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. To address the causative relationship between gut dysbiosis and PE, we used faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in an antibiotic-treated mouse model. Finally, we determined the microbiome translocation and immune responses in human and mouse placental samples by 16S rRNA sequencing, quantitative PCR and in situ hybridisation.ResultsPatients with PE showed reduced bacterial diversity with obvious dysbiosis. Opportunistic pathogens, particularly Fusobacterium and Veillonella, were enriched, whereas beneficial bacteria, including Faecalibacterium and Akkermansia, were markedly depleted in the PE group. The abundances of these discriminative bacteria were correlated with blood pressure (BP), proteinuria, aminotransferase and creatinine levels. On successful colonisation, the gut microbiome from patients with PE triggered a dramatic, increased pregestational BP of recipient mice, which further increased after gestation. In addition, the PE-transplanted group showed increased proteinuria, embryonic resorption and lower fetal and placental weights. Their T regulatory/helper-17 balance in the small intestine and spleen was disturbed with more severe intestinal leakage. In the placenta of both patients with PE and PE-FMT mice, the total bacteria, Fusobacterium, and inflammatory cytokine levels were significantly increased.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the gut microbiome of patients with PE is dysbiotic and contributes to disease pathogenesis.


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