The current status and importance of preserving fish germplasm resources were described. The basic principle of cryobiology and its application potentials in preservation of aquatic germplasm resources were examined. ...The current status and importance of preserving fish germplasm resources were described. The basic principle of cryobiology and its application potentials in preservation of aquatic germplasm resources were examined. The mechanism of cryodamage was discussed. The recent advances and major problems in finfish gamete and embryo cryopreservation were reviewed. The prospects for cryopreservation research in fish gametes and embryos were looked into. The important research directions in cryopreservation of aquatic organisms were proposed.展开更多
Formation of somatic embryos from non-germline cells is unique to higher plants and can be manipulated in a variety of species. Previous studies revealed that overexpression of several Arabidopsis genes, including WUS...Formation of somatic embryos from non-germline cells is unique to higher plants and can be manipulated in a variety of species. Previous studies revealed that overexpression of several Arabidopsis genes, including WUSCHEL （WUS）/PLANT GROWTH ACTIVATOR6 （PGA6）, BABY BOOM, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 （LEC1）, and LEC2, is able to cause vegetative-to-embryonic transition or the formation of somatic embryos. Here, we report that a gain-offunction mutation in the Arabidopsis PGA37 gene, encoding the MYBI18 transcription factor, induced vegetative-toembryonic transition, the formation of somatic embryos from root explants, and an elevated LEC1 expression level. Double mutant analysis showed that WUS was not required for induction of somatic embryos by PGA37/MYB118. In addition, overexpression of MYBll5, a homolog of PGA37/MYB118, caused a pga37-like phenotype. A myb118 myb115 double mutant did not show apparent developmental abnormalities. Collectively, these results suggest that PGA37/ MYB118 and MYB115 promote vegetative-to-embryonic transition, through a signaling pathway independent of WUS.展开更多
Targeted point mutagenesis through homologous recombination has been widely used in genetic studies and holds considerable promise for repairing disease- causing mutations in patients. However, problems such as mosaic...Targeted point mutagenesis through homologous recombination has been widely used in genetic studies and holds considerable promise for repairing disease- causing mutations in patients. However, problems such as mosaicism and low mutagenesis efficiency continue to pose challenges to clinical applicaUon of such approaches. Recently, a base editor （BE） system built on cytidine （C） deaminase and CRISPR/Cas9 technology was developed as an alternative method for targeted point mutagenesis in plant, yeast, and human cells. Base editors convert C in the deamination window to thymidine （T） efficiently, however, it remains unclear whether targeted base editing in mouse embryos is feasible. In this report, we generated a modified high- fidelity version of base editor 2 （HF2-BE2）, and investigated its base editing efficacy in mouse embryos. We found that HF2-BE2 could convert C to T efficiently, with up to 100% biallelic mutation efficiency in mouse embryos. Unlike BE3, HF2-BE2 could convert C to T on both the target and non-target strand, expanding the editing scope of base editors. Surprisingly, we found HF2-BE2 could also deaminate C that was proximal to the gRNA-binding region. Taken together, our work demonstrates the feasibility of generating point mutations in mouse by base editing, and underscores the need to carefully optimize base editing systems in order to eliminate proximal-site deamination.展开更多
Cryopreservation techniques for mammalian oocytes and embryos have rapidly progressed during the past two decades,emphasizing their importance in various assisted reproductive technologies.Pregnancies and live births ...Cryopreservation techniques for mammalian oocytes and embryos have rapidly progressed during the past two decades,emphasizing their importance in various assisted reproductive technologies.Pregnancies and live births resulting from cryopreserved oocytes and embryos of several species including humans have provided proof of principle and led to the adoption of cryopreservation as an integral part of clinical in vitro fertilization.Considerable progress has been achieved in the development and application of the cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes and embryos,including preservation of the reproductive potential of patients who may become infertile,establishment of cryopreserved oocyte banks,and transport of oocytes and embryos internationally.However,the success rates are still far lower than those obtained with fresh oocytes and embryos,and there are still obstacles that need to be overcome.In this review,we address the major obstacles in the development of effective cryopreservation techniques.Such knowledge may help to eliminate these hurdles by revealing which aspects need improvement.Furthermore,this information may encourage further research by cryobiologists and increase the practical use of cryopreservation as a major part of assisted reproductive technologies for both humans and animal species.展开更多
A chitinase gene (RCH8) in plasmid vector pCAMBIA1308 was delivered into 3 wheat cultivars (Yangmai 158, Wan 9210, Wanmai 32) by low energy Ar+ beam-mediated method. Preliminary calli from treated mature embryos were ...A chitinase gene (RCH8) in plasmid vector pCAMBIA1308 was delivered into 3 wheat cultivars (Yangmai 158, Wan 9210, Wanmai 32) by low energy Ar+ beam-mediated method. Preliminary calli from treated mature embryos were first selected on hygromycin (Hm, 20 or 30 mg/L) containing medium. After the resistant calli formed, they were transferred to the regeneration medium with 10 or 20 mg/L Hm. All the three wheat varieties obtained trans-genie plants. PCR and PCR-Southern assays showed that most plants regenerated from the resistant calli were positive transgenic plants. Southern blot of the positive green plants confirmed stable integration of alien DNA into wheat genome. The plant transformation frequencies varied with the variety and ion dose implanted. Wanmai 32 possessed the highest transformation frequency, reaching 3.8% at a suitable implantation dose. The transformation frequency of Yangmai 158 and Wan 9210 varied from 0.5% to 2.5% and from 0.5% to 1.4%, respectively. Progeny test for resistance to展开更多
Globular fossils from Doushantuo phosphorites at the Weng’an area are for the first time identified as a gas-trulation stage of phosphatized embryos. They are got from the fossiliferous remains after acetic acid mace...Globular fossils from Doushantuo phosphorites at the Weng’an area are for the first time identified as a gas-trulation stage of phosphatized embryos. They are got from the fossiliferous remains after acetic acid maceration. The fossils are found together with formerly reported animal resting eggs and embryos of the earlier cleavage stage. The oblate-shaped fossils with the same size as those reported embryos and invaginate at the middle part into the embryos, show the characteristics of the late blastula to the early gas-trula stage of the embryo development. This discovery convinces the existence of animal embryos at Doushantuo age and offers new facts for the studying of the affinity of related fossils, which are still controversial at present.展开更多
文摘The current status and importance of preserving fish germplasm resources were described. The basic principle of cryobiology and its application potentials in preservation of aquatic germplasm resources were examined. The mechanism of cryodamage was discussed. The recent advances and major problems in finfish gamete and embryo cryopreservation were reviewed. The prospects for cryopreservation research in fish gametes and embryos were looked into. The important research directions in cryopreservation of aquatic organisms were proposed.
文摘Formation of somatic embryos from non-germline cells is unique to higher plants and can be manipulated in a variety of species. Previous studies revealed that overexpression of several Arabidopsis genes, including WUSCHEL （WUS）/PLANT GROWTH ACTIVATOR6 （PGA6）, BABY BOOM, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 （LEC1）, and LEC2, is able to cause vegetative-to-embryonic transition or the formation of somatic embryos. Here, we report that a gain-offunction mutation in the Arabidopsis PGA37 gene, encoding the MYBI18 transcription factor, induced vegetative-toembryonic transition, the formation of somatic embryos from root explants, and an elevated LEC1 expression level. Double mutant analysis showed that WUS was not required for induction of somatic embryos by PGA37/MYB118. In addition, overexpression of MYBll5, a homolog of PGA37/MYB118, caused a pga37-like phenotype. A myb118 myb115 double mutant did not show apparent developmental abnormalities. Collectively, these results suggest that PGA37/ MYB118 and MYB115 promote vegetative-to-embryonic transition, through a signaling pathway independent of WUS.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China （Grant Nos. 91640119, 31601196, 81330055, 31371508, and 31671540）, the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province （2016A030310206 and 2014A030312011）, the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province （2015B020228002 and 2015A020212005）, the Guangzhou Science and Technology Project （201605030012 and 201707010085）, and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities （161gzd13 and 161gpy31）. We would also like to acknowledge the support of CA211653, CPRIT RP160462, the Welch Foundation Q-1673, and the C-BASS Shared Resource at the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center （DLDCC） of Baylor College of Medicine （P30CA125123）.
文摘Targeted point mutagenesis through homologous recombination has been widely used in genetic studies and holds considerable promise for repairing disease- causing mutations in patients. However, problems such as mosaicism and low mutagenesis efficiency continue to pose challenges to clinical applicaUon of such approaches. Recently, a base editor （BE） system built on cytidine （C） deaminase and CRISPR/Cas9 technology was developed as an alternative method for targeted point mutagenesis in plant, yeast, and human cells. Base editors convert C in the deamination window to thymidine （T） efficiently, however, it remains unclear whether targeted base editing in mouse embryos is feasible. In this report, we generated a modified high- fidelity version of base editor 2 （HF2-BE2）, and investigated its base editing efficacy in mouse embryos. We found that HF2-BE2 could convert C to T efficiently, with up to 100% biallelic mutation efficiency in mouse embryos. Unlike BE3, HF2-BE2 could convert C to T on both the target and non-target strand, expanding the editing scope of base editors. Surprisingly, we found HF2-BE2 could also deaminate C that was proximal to the gRNA-binding region. Taken together, our work demonstrates the feasibility of generating point mutations in mouse by base editing, and underscores the need to carefully optimize base editing systems in order to eliminate proximal-site deamination.
基金supported by grants from the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(2011AA100602)the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(2013ZX08007-004,2013ZX08008-004)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31371486)
文摘Cryopreservation techniques for mammalian oocytes and embryos have rapidly progressed during the past two decades,emphasizing their importance in various assisted reproductive technologies.Pregnancies and live births resulting from cryopreserved oocytes and embryos of several species including humans have provided proof of principle and led to the adoption of cryopreservation as an integral part of clinical in vitro fertilization.Considerable progress has been achieved in the development and application of the cryopreservation of mammalian oocytes and embryos,including preservation of the reproductive potential of patients who may become infertile,establishment of cryopreserved oocyte banks,and transport of oocytes and embryos internationally.However,the success rates are still far lower than those obtained with fresh oocytes and embryos,and there are still obstacles that need to be overcome.In this review,we address the major obstacles in the development of effective cryopreservation techniques.Such knowledge may help to eliminate these hurdles by revealing which aspects need improvement.Furthermore,this information may encourage further research by cryobiologists and increase the practical use of cryopreservation as a major part of assisted reproductive technologies for both humans and animal species.
文摘A chitinase gene (RCH8) in plasmid vector pCAMBIA1308 was delivered into 3 wheat cultivars (Yangmai 158, Wan 9210, Wanmai 32) by low energy Ar+ beam-mediated method. Preliminary calli from treated mature embryos were first selected on hygromycin (Hm, 20 or 30 mg/L) containing medium. After the resistant calli formed, they were transferred to the regeneration medium with 10 or 20 mg/L Hm. All the three wheat varieties obtained trans-genie plants. PCR and PCR-Southern assays showed that most plants regenerated from the resistant calli were positive transgenic plants. Southern blot of the positive green plants confirmed stable integration of alien DNA into wheat genome. The plant transformation frequencies varied with the variety and ion dose implanted. Wanmai 32 possessed the highest transformation frequency, reaching 3.8% at a suitable implantation dose. The transformation frequency of Yangmai 158 and Wan 9210 varied from 0.5% to 2.5% and from 0.5% to 1.4%, respectively. Progeny test for resistance to
基金This work was jointly sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 49872002)the State Science and Technology Commission of China (Grant Nos. 95-spcieal-03-3-3 and G99-A-05a) and the State Basic Research Development Project
文摘Globular fossils from Doushantuo phosphorites at the Weng’an area are for the first time identified as a gas-trulation stage of phosphatized embryos. They are got from the fossiliferous remains after acetic acid maceration. The fossils are found together with formerly reported animal resting eggs and embryos of the earlier cleavage stage. The oblate-shaped fossils with the same size as those reported embryos and invaginate at the middle part into the embryos, show the characteristics of the late blastula to the early gas-trula stage of the embryo development. This discovery convinces the existence of animal embryos at Doushantuo age and offers new facts for the studying of the affinity of related fossils, which are still controversial at present.
