DNA methylation and NF-Y regulate Piwil1 expression during chicken spermatogenesis.

The P-element induced wimpy testis (Piwi) protein family, a subfamily of the Argonaute protein family, is involved in gene silencing and shows specific expression in spermatogenic cells. To reveal the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of Piwil1 in chickens, we cloned sequences of the chicken Piwil1 promoter region and performed luciferase reporter and electrophoretic mobility shift assays to analyze the transcriptional activity and identify important transcriptional regulatory elements. The results showed that the region from -90 to -43 in the 5'-flanking region of Piwil1 contains a transcriptional regulatory CCAAT box that was necessary for the transcriptional activity of the Piwil1 promoter.

Up-regulation of NLRC5 and NF-κB signaling pathway in carrier chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica Serovar Pullorum at different persistence periods.

The immune performance, SNPs and expression levels of candidate genes (IL1-β, Nramp1, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB and NLRC5) were analyzed in carrier chickens of a Chinese indigenous breed infected with Salmonella enterica Serovar Pullorum at different persistence periods (12, 19 and 24 weeks of age). Carrier birds at 19 weeks of age presented significant difference in most immune parameters, as compared to carriers at 12 and 24 weeks of age, while no significant difference in most immune parameters was observed between carriers at 12 and 24 weeks of age. The genotype distributions of IL1-β and TLR4 presented significant differences between carriers and healthy birds.

Mining the key regulatory genes of chicken inosine 5'-monophosphate metabolism based on time series microarray data.

IMP (inosine 5'-monophosphate) is a compound that enhances the flavor of poultry meat. IMP has become a new breeding trait to improve poultry meat quality. We tried to identify several potential regulatory genes, and construct their predicted regulatory relationships.

A mutation in the NLRC5 promoter limits NF-κB signaling after Salmonella Enteritidis infection in the spleen of young chickens.

To date, the functions of the NLRC5 in chickens remain undefined. In the current study, chicken NLRC5 was cloned and an A1017G mutation was detected in its promoter region. The relative expression levels of the NLRC5 and key NF-κB pathway genes, IKKα, IKKβ, NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β and IFN-γ, in the spleens of wild and mutant type birds, AA and GG, were determined using FQ-PCR at 7 day post-infection (DPI) with Salmonella Enteritidis.

Duck RIG-I CARD Domain Induces the Chicken IFN-β by Activating NF-κB.

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I- (RIG-I-) like receptors (RLRs) have recently been identified as cytoplasmic sensors for viral RNA. RIG-I, a member of RLRs family, plays an important role in innate immunity. Although previous investigations have proved that RIG-I is absent in chickens, it remains largely unknown whether the chicken can respond to RIG-I ligand.

Effects of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 on the formation and activity of osteoclasts in RAW264.7 cells.

The hormonally active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-(OH)2D3, has an important role in bone metabolism. This study examined the effects of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 on the ability of two cytokines, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), to induce RAW 264.7 cells to form osteoclasts.

Crucial genes and pathways in chicken germ stem cell differentiation.

Male germ cell differentiation is a subtle and complex regulatory process. Currently, its regulatory mechanism is still not fully understood. In our experiment, we performed the first comprehensive genome and transcriptome-wide analyses of the crucial genes and signaling pathways in three kinds of crucial cells (embryonic stem cells, primordial germ cell, and spermatogonial stem cells) that are associated with the male germ cell differentiation.

Identification and expression analysis of the interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5) gene in duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus).

The interferon-induced proteins with tetratricopeptide repeats (IFITs) protein family mediates antiviral effects by inhibiting translation initiation, cell proliferation, and migration in the interferon (IFN) dependent innate immune system. Several members of this family, including IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3 and IFIT5, have been heavily studied in mammals. Avian species contain only one family member, IFIT5, and little is known about the role of this protein in birds.

Targeting AMPK for cancer prevention and treatment.

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an important mediator in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. AMPK is activated in response to a shortage of energy. Once activated, AMPK can promote ATP production and regulate metabolic energy.

Five cases of paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia by genetic diagnosis.

Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is an autosomal dominant disorder and PRRT2 is the causative gene of PKD. The aim of this study was to investigate PRRT2 mutations in patients who were clinically diagnosed with PKD. Nine PKD cases, including four familial cases and five sporadic cases, were selected.

Language dysfunction is associated with age of onset of benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes in children.

Aims: To assess the language function of children with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), and investigate associated risk factors.

Methods: The language function of 63 children with BECTS and 30 healthy controls was assessed using the language subtest of the Chinese version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (C-WISC). Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to assess the risk factors of language dysfunction in children with BECTS.

[Alterations of CD4+CXCR5+Tfh cells and its transcription regulatory factors in children with asthma].

Objective: To study the alterations of follicular T helper cells (CD4(+)CXCR5(+)Tfh cells, Tfh) on circulating T lymphocytes in children with asthma, and to study the expression of transcription regulatory factors BCL-6 and BLIMP-1 mRNA.

Methods: Sixty-four children with asthma and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. On the basis of the disease, the children with asthma were classified into acute phase group (n=36) and remission phase group (n=28).

[Ectopic expression of duck albumin down-regulates the expressions of IFN-β and myxovirus resistance 1 mRNA in DF-1 cells].

Objective: To investigate the impact of duck albumin (ALB) gene on the mRNA expression levels of interferon β (IFN-β) and myxovirus resistance-1 (Mx1).

Methods: The duck ALB gene was subcloned into pEGFP-C1 eukaryotic expression vector, and then the pEGFP-C1-ALB was transiently transfected into chick fibroblast DF-1 by Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. Twenty-four hours later, real-time quantitative PCR was applied to detect the dynamic change of IFN-β and Mx1 mRNA expressions under the stimulation of polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C).

Proteomics analysis reveals protein expression differences for hypopharyngeal gland activity in the honeybee, Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann.

Background: Most of the proteins contained in royal jelly (RJ) are secreted from the hypopharyngeal glands (HG) of young bees. Although generic protein composition of RJ has been investigated, little is known about how age-dependent changes on HG secretion affect RJ composition and their biological consequences. In this study, we identified differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) during HG development by using the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling technique.

siRNA against KIR3DL1 as a potential gene therapeutic agent in controlling HIV-1 infection.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a small interfering RNA (siRNA) against the expression of KIR3DL1 receptor on natural killer (NK) cells, in order to promote the ability of NK cells to destroy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected cells and thus prevent failure of siRNA therapy targeting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virus among HIV-1 infected patients in vitro.

Methods: A siRNA targeting KIR3DL1 was synthesized and then modified with cholesterol, methylene, and sulfate. The inhibitory action of the siRNAs on primary cultured NK cells was detected.

Identification of key genes in the response to Salmonella enterica Enteritidis, Salmonella enterica Pullorum, and poly(I:C) in chicken spleen and caecum.

Salmonella enterica Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) and Salmonella enterica Pullorum (S. pullorum) are regarded as a threat to poultry production.

Identification and differential expression of microRNAs in ovaries of laying and Broody geese (Anser cygnoides) by Solexa sequencing.

Background: Recent functional studies have demonstrated that the microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in ovarian gonadal development, steroidogenesis, apoptosis, and ovulation in mammals. However, little is known about the involvement of miRNAs in the ovarian function of fowl. The goose (Anas cygnoides) is a commercially important food that is cultivated widely in China but the goose industry has been hampered by high broodiness and poor egg laying performance, which are influenced by ovarian function.

Association of polymorphisms of exon 2 of the growth hormone gene with production performance in Huoyan goose.

Primers based on the cDNA sequence of the goose growth hormone (GH) gene in GenBank were designed to amplify exon 2 of the GH gene in Huoyan goose. A total of 552 individuals were brooded in one batch and raised in Liaoning and Jiangsu Provinces, China. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of exon 2 in the GH gene were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (single strand conformation polymorphism method).

Transcriptome sequencing analysis reveals the regulation of the hypopharyngeal glands in the honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann.

Transcriptome sequencing has become the main methodology for analyzing the relationship between genes and characteristics of interests, particularly those associated with diseases and economic traits. Because of its role of functional food for humans, commercial royal jelly (RJ) and its production are major research focuses in the field of apiculture. Multiple lines of evidence have demonstrated that many factors affect RJ output by activating or inhibiting various target genes and signaling pathways.

Cloning and expression characterization of the chicken Piwil1 gene.

Piwi gene involves in the germline stem cells self-renewal, transposon silencing and post-transcriptional gene regulation in the majority of organisms; however, the biological function of Piwi gene in poultry remains unclear. Here we cloned the Piwi-like 1 (Piwil1) gene and characterized its expression in the Langshan chickens during the development. The results showed that the PIWIL1 protein was the homolog of mice MIWI and human HIWI proteins (100 % identity), and encoded a cytoplasmic protein including the two conserved domains PAZ and PIWI.

Self-stopping effects of lithium penetration into silicon nanowires.

Using first-principles molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate that the penetration of lithium atoms into a silicon nanowire (SiNW) self-stops once a metallic amorphous Li-Si shell forms. This explains the extended life of crystalline Si cores in SiNW battery electrodes observed in experiments. Metallic Li-Si shells grasp Li atoms and prohibit them from directly segregating through interstitial channels toward the crystalline center of SiNWs.

Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 protein expression by 1α, 25-(OH)₂D₃ during osteoclast differentiation.

To investigate 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) protein expression during osteoclast formation and differentiation, receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) were administered to induce the differentiation of RAW264.7 cells into osteoclasts. The cells were incubated with different concentrations of 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃ during culturing, and cell proliferation was measured using the methylthiazol tetrazolium method.

Molecular cloning and functional analysis of the duck TLR4 gene.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) recognizes pathogen-associated molecular patterns in some animals and has been shown to be closely associated with several diseases such as tumors, atherosclerosis, and asthma. However, its function in ducks is not clear. Alternative splicing of the TLR4 gene has been identified in pigs, sheep, mice, and other species, but has not yet been reported in the duck.

Molecular characterization, expression patterns, and subcellular localization of RIG-I in the Jinding duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus).

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs) have recently been identified as cytoplasmic sensors for RNA virus. Recent research has shown that RIG-I, a member of this family, play an important role in innate immunity. In this study, we cloned the RIG-I gene from Jinding duck by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE).

Transcriptome profiling of the goose (Anser cygnoides) ovaries identify laying and broodiness phenotypes.

Background: The geese have strong broodiness and poor egg performance. These characteristics are the key issues that hinder the goose industry development. Yet little is known about the mechanisms responsible for follicle development due to lack of genomic resources.