Karyotype and plasmotype characteristics in wheat-rye hybrids with the different structural organization of the nuclear genome

Aim. Genome structure analysis and plasmotype identification in wheat-rye hybrids of various types (triti- cale, secalotriticum) and ploidy level. Mcth0ds. Cytological and molecular-genetic analysis. Rcsults. The karyotype and plasmotype analysis was carried out in 11 stable lines of secondary recombinant hexaploid triticale with the introgression of D-genome chromosomes of the wheat (A/B/DRR, 2n = 6x = 42), 14 stable and highly productive secalotriticum lines of F6–16 generations (Secalotriticum, S/RRAABB, 2n = 6x = 42), 9 stable lines of tetraploid triticale (A/BRR, 2n = 4x = 28). By means of differential chromosome staining, the chromosomal composition of the experimental material was characterized and the intergenomic substitution and translocation of chromosomes were detected. The PCR-RFLP analysis of the 18S/5S mitochondrial (mt) repeat and the ndhH-region of chloroplast DNA showed that these organ- elle DNA regions are in the homoplasmic state and belong to rye-type cytoplasm in secalotriticum lines and wheat-type cytoplasm in tetraploid and secondary recombinant hexaploid triticale lines. C0nclusi0ns. Cytological and molecular genetic analysis revealed significant genetic diversity of the created gene pool of wheat-rye hybrids by nuclear-cytoplasmic structure. The synthesized linear material of wheat-rye hybrids may be used in cytogenetic research and practical breeding.

Detection, in silico analysis and molecular diversity of phytoplasmas from solanaceous crops in Turkey

Phytoplasma-like symptoms of leaf yellowing and calyx malformation were observed in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), upward leaves and fruit malformation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and aerial tuber formation in potato (S. tuberosum L.) during the survey performed in the late season (August to September) of 2015 and 2016 in Van province (Turkey). A total of 100 samples were tested by nested-PCR using universal primer pairs to assess the sanitary status of the solanaceous crops and to characterise the phytoplasma isolates. Among them, seven samples resulted in a 1.25 kb DNA fragment, and five (two eggplants, two peppers, and one potato) were molecularly characterised (Accession No.: KY579357, KT595210, MF564267, MF564266, and MH683601). BLAST and the virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed the presence of two distinct phytoplasma infections in solanaceous crops: ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii’ a member of the clover proliferation group (16SrVI) and subgroup A and ‘Candidatus P. solani’ a member of the stolbur group (16SrXII) and subgroup A. The virtual RFLP analysis and calculated coefficients of RFLP pattern similarities further revealed a remarkable genetic diversity among the ‘Candidatus P. solani’ isolates infecting pepper (similarity coefficient of 0.90) and eggplant (similarity coefficients of 0.98 and 1.00) at the same geographical area. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of ‘Candidadtus P. trifolii’ in potato from the Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey.

MTHFR and MDR1 Gene Polymorphisms in Yakut Patients with Non-Syndromic Orofacial Clefts

The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between the MDR1 and MTHFR gene polymorphisms and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in the Yakut population in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Methods and Results: The sample of examined persons consisted of 60 children with NSCL/P. The NSCL/P group was divided into the CLP (cleft lip with cleft palate) subgroup (n=31), CLO (cleft lip only) subgroup (n=14), and CPO (cleft palate only) subgroup (n=15). The comparison group (control) included 174 healthy volunteers who did not have relatives with OFCs. The study of the MDR1 rs1045642 SNP and the MTHFR rs1801133 SNP was performed by PCR and RFLP analysis. Analysis of the frequency distribution of alleles and genotypes depending on the severity of clefts showed that the carriage of the TT homozygous genotype of the MDR1 rs1045642 SNP was associated with significant risk for the development of NSCL/P (OR=2.52, 95% CI: 1.19-5.32, P=0.02). Analysis of the recessive model (TT vs CC + TC) also found a significant risk of NSCL/P with the TT genotype carriage (OR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.06-4.57, P=0.04). Analysis of the over-dominant model (TC vs TT + CC) showed that the heterozygous TC genotype had a protective effect (OR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.22-0.77, P=0.01) on the development of NSCL/P. Subgroup analysis according to NSCL/P subtypes (CLO, CPO and CLP) showed that the MDR1 rs1045642 SNP was significantly associated with a high risk of CPO in three genetic models: heterozygous [(TT vs TC): OR=5.03; 95% CI: 1.55-16.32; P=0.01], recessive [(TT vs CC + TC): OR=3.96; 95% CI: 1.32-11.95; P=0.02], and over-dominant [(TC vs TT + CC): OR=0.23; 95% CI: 0.08-0.66; P=0.01]. Conclusion: A study of two SNPs in the MDR1and MTHFR genes revealed a statistically significant increased risk for NSCL/P in carriers of the TT genotype of the MDR1 rs1045642 SNP.

Modeling of DNA technology of species identification of plant raw materials for brewing

Развитие молекулярно-генетических технологий оценки пивоваренного сырья актуально с позиции их внедрения в систему идентификации и прослеживаемости в контексте расширения оценочных критериев менеджмента качества. Целью настоящей работы являлось моделирование ДНК-технологии видовой идентификации растительного сырья для пивоварения. Подобраны протоколы экстракции нуклеиновых кислот, постановки ПЦР и ПДРФ-анализа с соответствующими комплектами реагентов, направленные на практическое воспроизведение генетического тестирования пробоподготовленного биоматериала. Представлены результаты выравнивания и рестрикционного картирования амплифицируемых нуклеотидных последовательностей локуса хлоропластной ДНК ячменя, пшеницы, ржи, кукурузы, риса и хмеля. Установлено, что наличие видоспецифичных нуклеотидных замен и инделей в анализируемом локусе позволяет идентифицировать растительное сырье для пивоварения методом прямого секвенирования ПЦР-продукта. Последующий совокупный анализ данных in silico моделирования ПЦР-ПДРФ-профилей по трем эндонуклеазам рестрикции подтвердил диагностическую ценность подобранных ферментов. The development of molecular genetic technologies for evaluating brewing raw materials is relevant from the point of view of their introduction into the identification and traceability system in the context of expanding the evaluation criteria of quality management. The purpose of this work was to simulate the DNA technology of species identification of plant raw materials for brewing. Protocols for the extraction of nucleic acids, PCR and RFLP analysis with the corresponding reagent kits were selected, aimed at the practical reproduction of genetic testing of the prepared biomaterial. The results of alignment and restriction mapping of amplified nucleotide sequences of the chloroplast DNA locus of barley, wheat, rye, corn, rice and hops are presented. It was found that the presence of species-specific nucleotide substitutions and indels in the analyzed locus makes it possible to identify plant raw materials for brewing by direct sequencing of the PCR product. Subsequent aggregate analysis of the data in silico modeling of PCR-RFLP profiles for three restriction endonucleases confirmed the diagnostic value of the selected enzymes

Salivary Microbiota Is Significantly Less Diverse in Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Compared to Healthy Controls: Preliminary Results

Background: Because of the important role in regulating the immune system, increasing evidence suggests a possible implication of gut microbiota in Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Although the oral cavity is the first site of contact between microbiota and the immune system, the association between salivary microbiota and CSU has not yet been reported. Objective: This case-control study aimed to compare differences in salivary microbiota between CSU patients and healthy controls (HC). Twenty-three participants—13 patients with CSU and 10 HC were enrolled; salivary microbiota was determined by molecular approach targeting 16S ribosomal RNA. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was performed. Results: Alpha diversity of salivary microbiota in CSU patients was significantly reduced compared to HC, resulting in alteration of the community composition. Species richness determined via the Shannon index was significantly reduced in the CSU group. Conclusion: Dysbiosis of salivary microbiota may contribute to a dysregulated immune system in the development of CSU. To our knowledge, this was the first study that reported an alteration in salivary microbiota composition in CSU patients.

Phytoplasma diseases of vegetable crops in Russia

Phytoplasma DNA was detected in 72 samples of vegetable crops collected in eight regions/territories of the Russian Federation, including the Republic of Crimea. The analyzed plants belonged to 13 species (Armoracia rusticana, Artemisia dracunculus, Capsicum annuum, Conundrum sátivum, Cucumis melo, Cucurbita maxima, Daucus carota var.sativus, Melissa officinalis, Petroselinum crispum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Solanum lycopersicum, Solanum melongena and Vicia faba), to 7 families (Apiacea, Asteracea, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Solanaceae). The belonging of phytoplasma to a group/subgroup was established by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of amplicons obtained in nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We identified phytoplasmas of four groups most characteristic of the Russian Federation: Aster yellows - 16SrI, X-disease - 16SrIII, Clover proliferation - 16SrVI and Stolbur - 16SrXII. All phytoplasmas isolated from plants collected in the southern regions of the Russian Federation (Astrakhan and Rostov regions, Krasnodar Territory, and the Republic of Crimea) belonged to stolbur group, subgroup 16SrXII-A, like most phytoplasmas from plants of the Samara region. Phytoplasmas of the 16SrVI group were found in plants from the Moscow, Samara, and Novosibirsk regions, the 16SrIII group - in plants from the Vologda and Moscow regions, and the 16SrI group - only in samples from the Moscow region.

An Episomal CRISPR/Cas12a System for Mediating Efficient Gene Editing

(1) Background: Gene editing technology, as represented by CRISPR is a powerful tool used in biomedical science. However, the editing efficiency of such technologies, especially in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and other types of stem cells, is low which hinders its application in regenerative medicine; (2) Methods: A gene-editing system, COE, was designed and constructed based on CRISPR/Cas12a and Orip/EBNA1, and its editing efficiency was evaluated in human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK-293T) cells with flow cytometry and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The COE was nucleofected into iPSCs, then, the editing efficiency was verified by a polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing; (3) Results: With the extension of time, COE enables the generation of up to 90% insertion or deletion rates in HEK-293T cells. Furthermore, the deletion of a 2.5 kb fragment containing Exon 51 of the dystrophin gene (DMD) in iPSCs was achieved with high efficiency; out of 14 clones analyzed, 3 were positive. Additionally, the Exon 51-deleted iPSCs derived from cardiomyocytes had similar expression profiles to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patient-specific iPSCs. Moreover, there was no residue of each component of the plasmid in the editing cells; (4) Conclusions: In this study, a novel, efficient, and safe gene-editing system, COE, was developed, providing a powerful tool for gene editing.

Molecular-Phylogenetic Research of the Genus Hypericum L. in Flora of Azerbaijan

Hypericum is one of the 100 largest flowering plant genera forming the family Hypericaceae Juss., which belongs to the clusioid clade of the Malpighiales. Hypericum is represented in Azerbaijan flora by 19 native species and 1 subspecies belonging to 7 taxonomic sections. The chloroplast DNA of 8 species from the genus was studied by PCR-RFLP analysis. Total genomic DNA was extracted from leaf tissue using the DNeasyPlantMini kit. (Qiagen Inc.; Valencia, CA, USA) following the supplied protocol and quanti field using a Nanodrop (Nanodrop Technologies; Wilmington, DE, USA) spectrophotometer. The article is part of an experimental study that comprises molecular-phylogenetic research of this genus in the flora of Azerbaijan.

Variation of prolactin and β-Lactoglobulin genes in the Indonesian FH Cattle

Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone, encoded by the prolactin (PRL) gene, synthesized and secreted by anterior pituitary, and affecting milk yield and composition. β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) is the major whey proteinin the milk of ruminants. This study was conducted to identify the PRL and LGB genes polymorphism in the Indonesian FH cattle. A total of 139 individual cattle blood samples from West Java were used to obtain DNA samples through the DNA extraction process. Identification of the PRL and LGB genes was performed using PCR-RFLP method with RsaI (PRL gene) and HaeIII (BLG gene) restriction enzymes. The PRL gene was amplified using forward primer 5’-ccaaatccactgaattatgctt-3’ and reverse primer 5’-acagaaatcacctctctcattca-3’. The BLG gene was amplified using forward primer 5’-tgtgctggacaccgactacaaaaag-3’ and reverse primer 5’-gctcccggtatatgaccaccctct-3’. The PRL and BLG genes in the Indonesia FH cattle were polymorphic based on the PCR-RFLP analysis but the heterozygosity value was low. There were two alleles (G and A) and three genotypes (GG, GA, and AA) identified in the PRL gene of the Indonesian FH cattle with genotype frequencies were 0.914, 0.079, and 0,007 for GG, GA, and AA genotypes respectively. There were two genotypes (CC and CG) identified in the BLG gene with genotype frequencies were 0.91 (CC), and 0.09 (CG). Information about the PRL and BLG genes polymorphism in this study can be considered for further study to analyse its association with milk yield trait.

Genetic Polymorphisms of Chicken Antiviral Mx1 and TVB Genes in Indigenous and Giriraja Chicken

Background: Recent developments in molecular genetics lead to addressing certain poultry diseases via breeding for disease resistance. The present study was carried to identify and compare the genetic polymorphism in Chicken Mx1 and TVB genes among the indigenous and Giriraja chicken using PCR-RFLP technique. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 50 indigenous and 50 Giriraja birds and DNA isolation was done by Phenol: Chloroform: Isoamyl alcohol method. PCR amplification of Chicken Mx1 (exon 14) and Chicken TVB (exon 3) genes was carried out followed by RFLP analysis. Result: PCR product sizes of 301 bp and 303 bp of Mx1 and TVB genes, respectively were successfully amplified. RFLP analysis of Mx1 gene with Hyp8I restriction enzyme revealed three genotypes AA, AB and BB. In indigenous birds genotypic frequencies of AA, AB and BB were 0.314, 0.493 and 0.194, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.56 and 0.44 for alleles A and B, respectively. In Giriraja birds, genotypic frequencies for AA, AB and BB were 0.27, 0.499 and 0.23, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.52 and 0.48 for alleles A and B, respectively. RFLP analysis of TVB gene with NlaIII restriction enzyme revealed two genotypes viz., AA and AB. In indigenous birds genotypic frequencies of AA and AB were 0.81 and 0.18, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.9 and 0.1 for alleles A and B, respectively. In Giriraja birds genotypic frequencies for AA and AB were 0.774 and 0.211, respectively and gene frequencies were 0.88 and 0.12 for alleles A and B, respectively.