Several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the apparent quality of brown rice were identified. QTL analysis was carried out using F 2 and F 3 populations derived from a cross between two japonica varieties, Hana-echizen (high quality of brown rice) and Niigatawase (low quality with numerous white-back and basalwhite kernels). F 2 individuals were grown in paddy fields in 2003, and F 3 lines were grown in paddy fields and in a greenhouse to expose them to high temperature stress during the ripening period in 2004. Apparent quality of brown rice was evaluated based on the percentage of white-back and basal-white kernels. Two putative QTLs associated with white-back kernels in the F 2 population grown under low temperature conditions in paddy fields in 2003 were identified on chromosomes 3 and 6. The closest SSR markers were RM4512 and RM3034, respectively. One putative QTL associated with basal-white kernels in the F 2 population was identified on chromosome 6. The closest marker was RM3034. Two putative QTLs associated with whiteback kernels in the F 3 population grown under high temperature conditions in paddy fields in 2004 were identified on chromosomes 4 and 6. The closest SSR markers were RM3288 and RM3034, respectively. One putative QTL associated with white-back plus basal-white kernels in the F 3 population grown under high temperature stress in the greenhouse was identified on chromosome 6. The closest marker was RM3034. The QTLs identified near RM3034 on the short arm of chromosome 6 contributed most to the apparent quality of brown rice. The QTLs identified near RM4512 and RM3288 which also affected the apparent quality of brown rice, were detected in either the F 2 or F 3 population. The QTLs identified in the present study should be useful for marker-assisted selection to breed varieties with a high apparent quality of brown rice, especially varieties with tolerance to kernel damage due to high temperature stress during the ripening period.
IL-35 is a newly discovered inhibitory cytokine secreted by regulatory T cells (Tregs) and may have therapeutic potential in several inflammatory disorders. Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and caused by donor T cells and inflammatory cytokines. The role of IL-35 in aGVHD is still unknown. Here we demonstrate that IL-35 overexpression suppresses CD4+ effector T cell activation, leading to a reduction in alloreactive T-cell responses and aGVHD severity. It also leads to the expansion of CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs in the aGVHD target organs. Furthermore, IL-35 overexpression results in a selective decrease in the frequency of Th1 cells and an increase of IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells in aGVHD target tissues. Serum levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-22 and IL-23 decrease and IL-10 increases in response to IL-35. Most importantly, IL-35 preserves graft versus leukemia effect. Finally, aGVHD grade 2-4 patients have decreased serum IL-35 levels comparing with time-matched patients with aGVHD grade 0-1. Our findings indicate that IL-35 plays an important role in reducing aGVHD through promoting the expansion of Tregs and repressing Th1 responses, and should be investigated as the therapeutic strategy for aGVHD.
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a worldwide health problem with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Inflammation associated with liver injury and hepatocyte regeneration can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually, hepatocellular carcinoma. IL1a is one of the most important inflammatory cytokines involved in inflammation and tumor development. IL1a presents as multiple forms in vivo, including precursor, propiece, membrane, and secreted forms, and their functions have been thought to be different.
Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (Slc7a11) is a cystine/glutamate xCT transporter that controls the production of pheomelanin pigment to change fur and skin color in animals. Previous studies have found that skin expression levels of Slc7a11 varied significantly with fur color in Rex rabbits. However, the molecular regulation mechanism of Slc7a11 in pigmentation is unknown. Here, rabbit melanocytes were first isolated and identified. The distribution and expression pattern of Slc7a11 was confirmed in skin from rabbits with different fur colors. Slc7a11 affected the expression of pigmentation related genes and thus affected melanogenesis. Meanwhile, Slc7a11 decreased melanocyte apoptosis, but inhibition of Slc7a11 enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, the POU2F1 protein was found to bind to the −713 to −703 bp region of Slc7a11 promoter to inhibit its activity in a dual-luciferase reporter and site-directed mutagenesis assay. This study reveals the function of the Slc7a11 in melanogenesis and provides in-depth analysis of the mechanism of fur pigmentation.
BackgroundPhellodendron amurense, exhibits antifungal activity mainly by bioactive components including berberine hydrochloride and palmatine hydrochloride. This study was conducted to evaluate the antifungal effects of berberine hydrochloride, palmatine hydrochloride, and a mixture of both substances against Microsporum canis in vivo and in vitro.MethodsThe minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of monomers and clotrimazole were determined using 1.5 % tryptic soy agar. The effects of these drugs on Microsporum canis growth was detected by determining dry weight. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed to observe the effect of chemicals on cell ultrastructure. Differential mRNA expressions of eight genes of M. canis treated with berberine or palmatine or their combination at different time points were determined by real-time PCR. NADH enzyme concentration was also detected. Clinical evaluation via in-vivo antifungal assay was also performed. Skin histology PAS staining was also carried out.ResultsResults showed that MICs of berberine, palmatine and clotrimazole were 1, 1, and 0.015 mg/mL, respectively. No significant difference was observed among the growth curves of the three groups before 18 h was reached. TEM showed that these drugs could destroy the cell membrane and organelles of M. canis at different time points. After 30 h of incubation, relative mRNA expressions of the genes in the combined group were significantly higher than those in the other groups including the clotrimazole group (P < 0.05); Palmatine initially induced the mRNA up-regulation of PGAL4, FSH1, PQ-LRP, NADH1 and NDR in M. canis; by contrast, berberine maintained a high expression level of these genes to shorten fungal life cycle and eradicate M. canis. Clinical results showed that combined treatment was more effective than single administration of each monomer or clotrimazole. Hence, berberine mixed with palmatine significantly elicited antifungal activities and could be used to treat M. canis in rabbits.ConclusionThese results provide a comprehensive view of the mechanism of berberine and palmatine in anti-M. canis activity.
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