Challenges and suggestions for human genetic resource management in international cooperation of medical institutions caused by the Implementation Rules of the Regulations on the Management of Human Genetic Resources: A case study of Peking University Cancer Hospital / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Objective:According to the international cooperation project of Peking University Cancer Hospital on human genetic resource management practices, combined with the development direction of human genetic resource management laws and regulations, and propose reference suggestions for medical institutions to strengthen human genetic resource management.Methods:Sort out the projects that Peking University Cancer Hospital obtained international cooperation approval on the government platform of the Ministry of Science and Technology from July 2019 to June 2023, analyze the current situation of human genetic resource management in the hospital, summarize the challenges brought by the implementation of new regulations on human genetic resource management in medical institutions, and propose corresponding suggestions.Results:A total of 1276 international cooperation projects on human genetic resources have been approved, including 345 initial declarations and 931 change declarations. Involving 453 studies, including 286 clinical trials of drugs or devices on the market, accounting for 63.13%, and 100 clinical trials of Phase I drugs, accounting for 34.97% of the market studies. On average, there are 3.14 changes per project for listed research, and 1.56 changes per project for non listed research.Conclusions:Regulations on the Management of Human Genetic Resources ( short for Rules) limit the management scope of international cooperation projects involving human genetic resources and delegate management authority to medical institutions. Adjusting the scope of application for international cooperative clinical trial filing may result in some administrative approval projects being transferred to filing. The approval process for international cooperative scientific research projects on human genetic resources has been adjusted. Suggest medical institutions to strengthen the management of samples and intellectual property outside the scope of application of Rules.Strengthen the entire process management of international cooperation in scientific research. Pay attention to and timely communicate the dynamics of human genetic resource management.

Study of Genetic Diversity in Indian Barnyard Millet Genetic Resources [Echinochloa frumentacea (L.)]

Sixtyfour Indian barnyard millet genetic resources were studied to assess the extent of genetic divergence for 18 quantitative traits using Mahalanobis D2 Statistic. Sixtyfour genetic resources of Indian barnyard millet were evaluated during kharif, 2020 in a lattice square design, replicated twice at Regional Agricultural Research. Based on Tocher’s method, the entire genetic materials were separated into eight distinct and non-overlapping clusters suggesting availability of genetic diversity. Cluster I has highest number of accessions (57) and the remaining were mono genotypic clusters II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII containing only one accession each indicating high degree of heterogeneity among the genotypes. The widest inter-cluster distance was recorded between clusters IV and VII. Therefore, it is concluded that the genotypes to these clusters has to be intercrossed in order to create more diversity and improving grain yield in barnyard millet. The traits, grain yield per plant and panicle weight contributed maximum towards total divergence has scope of crop improvement through those traits. Diversity of parent paly main role for the successful of any breeding programme. So the crosses can be made among the parents having widest divergence would more likely to yield desirable recombination in segregating generations.

Application and management of human genetic resources in China / 上海预防医学

Human genetic resources include specimen samples and related information. The application and regulation of human genetic resources in China started at the end of the 20th century and have progressed rapidly. However， many challenges remain. In this paper， we reviewed the current status of sample conservation and management and provided recommendations for further development of human genetic resources in China. The aim is to effectively protect and rationally utilize China's human genetic resources， safeguard national security and people's health， and promote the building of a community of common health for mankind.

Zoometric and ethnological characterization of the colombian creole donkey in Sucre, Colombia

In Colombia, works performed with the colombian creole donkey (CCD) have shown a possible danger of extinction. The above, associate with an alarming decrease in its inventory and a reduction in genetic diversity. Thus, morphological characterization could be the first step for future conservation plans to conduct a repopulation. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize the zoometric and ethnological traits of CCD in five natural subregions of the department of Sucre. 20 males from each of the natural subregions from Sucre (Golfo de Morrosquillo: GM, Montes de María: MM, Mojana: MO, San Jorge: SJ, Sabanas: SA) with an age average of 4.7 ± 1.0 years old and weight estimated between 126.0 ± 19.4 kg were recorded and were submitted to 28 morphometric measurements. Descriptive statistics, analysis of variance between subregions, and hierarchical grouping for statistical analysis were performed. Also, five ethnological indices and five productive indices were estimated. The results showed that most of the zoometric variables varied significantly between subregions. The values assessed were similar to other creole donkey breeds. The hierarchical grouping analysis allowed the creation of two groups with geographic proximity. The structural homogeneity and morphostructural harmony found within the subregions were medium-low. However, when analyzing all the CCD measurements together, medium to high morphostructural uniformity and harmony were evidenced. The ethnological indices allow us to classify the CCD as a longlinear, hypermetric, dolichocephalic, and concavilinear animal. In addition, the productive indices indicated that the CCD is a proportionate donkey, with good poise and aptitude for work.

Es posible que el asno criollo colombiano (ACC) se encuentre en peligro de extinción. La alarmante disminución de su inventario está reduciendo la diversidad genética. Así, la caracterización morfológica es un primer paso en futuros planes de conservación, con el objetivo de repoblación; por tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar zoométricamente y etnológicamente el ACC, de las cinco subregiones naturales del departamento de Sucre. En 20 machos de cada una de las subregiones naturales del departamento de Sucre (Golfo de Morrosquillo: GM, Montes de María: MM, Mojana: MO, San Jorge: SJ, Sabanas: SA), con edad promedio de 4,7 ± 1,0 años y peso promedio estimado de 126,0 ± 19,4kg, se registraron 28 medidas morfométricas. En el análisis de datos, se consideró la estadística descriptiva, el análisis de varianza entre subregiones, análisis de agrupación jerárquica. También, se estimaron cinco índices etnológicos y cinco índices productivos. La mayoría de las variables zoométricas variaron significativamente entre subregiones, con valores similares a otras razas criollas. El análisis de agrupación jerárquica formó dos grupos con cercanía geográfica. La homogeneidad estructural y la armonía morfoestructural encontrada al interior de las subregiones fue media-baja; sin embargo, al analizar todo el ACC, la homogeneidad y la armonía morfoestructural fue media-alta. Los índices etnológicos clasifican al ACC como longilíneo, hipermétrico, dolicocéfalo y concavilíneo, mientras que los índices productivos indican de un asno proporcionado, de buenos aplomos y de aptitud al trabajo.

Diversity and genetic structure of natural populations of the palm tree Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae) / Diversidad y estructura genética de poblaciones naturales de la palmera Euterpe precatoria (Arecaceae)

Abstract Introduction: The natural ecosystems of northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, are in process of fragmentation, mainly due to population growth and the expansion of agriculture. This endangers the palm Euterpe precatoria (locally known as açaí), used for construction, palm hearts, juices and ice cream. Objective: To evaluate the local diversity and genetic structure in native populations of E. precatoria. Methods: We collected leaves from 106 fruiting palms from five populations in Mato Grosso State, for analysis of microsatellite markers with Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: The five SSR loci revealed a total of 30 alleles, ranging from 5 (EE23 and EE43) to 7 (EE2 and EE15), with an average of 6 alleles per locus. The mean PIC was 0.74 and confirmed low heterozygosity and inbreeding. The UPGMA dendrogram produced two groups and molecular variance revealed greater genetic differentiation within populations. The high levels of homozygous microsatellite loci indicate low genetic diversity. Conclusions: These populations have low gene diversity, high average number of alleles per locus, and rare and exclusive alleles. We recommend the establishment of permanent conservation units with corridors among them.

Resumen Introducción: Los ecosistemas naturales del norte de Mato Grosso, Brasil, están en proceso de fragmentación, principalmente debido al crecimiento de la población y la expansión de la agricultura. Esto pone en peligro la palma Euterpe precatoria (localmente conocida como açaí), utilizada para la construcción, extracción de palmito, preparación de jugos y helados. Objetivo: Evaluar la diversidad local y estructura genética en poblaciones nativas de E. precatoria. Métodos: Recolectamos hojas de 106 palmas fructíferas de cinco poblaciones en el estado de Mato Grosso, para análisis de marcadores microsatélites con el método de Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR). Resultados: Los cinco loci SSR revelaron un total de 30 alelos, que van desde 5 (EE23 y EE43) hasta 7 (EE2 y EE15), con un promedio de 6 alelos por locus. El PIC medio fue de 0.74 y confirmó baja heterocigosidad y endogamia en las poblaciones. El dendrograma UPGMA produjo dos grupos y la varianza molecular reveló una mayor diferenciación genética dentro de las poblaciones. Los loci de microsatélites presentaron un alto nivel de homocigotos lo que indica una baja diversidad genética. Conclusiones: Estas poblaciones tienen baja diversidad genética, alto promedio de alelos por locus y alelos raros y únicos. Recomendamos el establecimiento de unidades de conservación permanentes con corredores entre ellas.

Ethical Issues and Ethical Review of Human Genetic Resource Management in Real-world Studies / 中国医学伦理学

Human genetic resources are an important strategic resource for the development of science and technology in China. In order to fully utilize and effectively protect human genetic resources in real-world studies, through analyzing the status and characteristics of real-world studies, this study found that the number of real-world studies was increasing year by year, and with some characteristics, such as many uncontrollable factors, strict requirements for evidence formation, and easy information acquisition and disclosure. Combined with the characteristics of real-world studies, the ethical issues of human genetic resource management in real-world studies were summarized into three aspects, including scientific and value of research development, informed consent and privacy protection of subjects, and fairness and justice in benefit sharing. Accordingly, the key points of ethical review were proposed as scientific rationality, fully informed consent and privacy, as well as data security and stakeholders. In addition, it is necessary to give full play to the role of ethical review in research access and process supervision responsibilities, guide researchers to make full use of human genetic resources by strengthening training and process management, and further promote the standardization of real-world studies.

Evaluación fenotípica de semillas de haba (Vicia faba L.) colectadas en Nariño-Colombia / Phenotypic evaluation of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) seeds collected in Nariño-Colombia

RESUMEN El haba es una leguminosa asociada a sistemas campesinos de clima frío. En Colombia, se cultiva, principalmente, en el departamento de Nariño, donde se ha visto reducida el área y el número de materiales sembrados, debido a la disminución en los niveles de rendimiento del cultivo y la agresividad de los problemas fitosanitarios. Este estudio evaluó la diversidad de esta leguminosa, a partir de la forma y color de la semilla, en una colección de 60 accesiones de haba, discriminadas en siete variedades. Mediante el procesamiento de imágenes digitales y medición manual, se determinó la longitud polar (LP), longitud ecuatorial (LE), relación LP/LE, área (AR), grosor (GR) y peso de cien semillas (P100); además, se calcularon los parámetros de color, basados en la escala CIELab (L*, a* y b*). Las variables, se analizaron con estadística descriptiva, correlación de Pearson y el método multivariado de componentes principales (ACP). Los resultados identificaron alta diversidad de fenotipos, caracterizando, cuantitativamente, las siete variedades. Se presentó correlación alta entre las variables LP, LE y AR, igualmente, entre L* y b*. Con el biplot de los resultados de ACP, se ratificó la variabilidad de la colección y posibilitó generar una agrupación preliminar. La investigación, se puede tomar en cuenta como base para el desarrollo de trabajos de conservación y de evaluación agronómica de esta leguminosa.

ABSTRACT Fava bean is a legume associated with cold climate farming systems. In Colombia, it is grown mainly in the department of Nariño, where the area and number of planted materials have been reduced due to the decrease in crop yield levels and the aggressiveness of phytosanitary problems. This study evaluated the diversity of this legume based on seed shape and color in a collection of 60 bean materials divided into seven varieties. Through digital image processing and manual measurement, polar length (LP), equatorial length (LE), LP/LE ratio, area (AR), thickness (GR) and hundred seed weight (P100) were determined, and color parameters based on the CIELab scale (L*, a* and b*) were calculated. The variables were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation and the multivariate principal component method (PCA). The results identified a high diversity of phenotypes, quantitatively characterizing the seven varieties. There was a high correlation between the variables LP, LE and AR, as well as between L* and b*. The biplot of the PCA results confirmed the variability of the collection and made it possible to generate a preliminary grouping. The research can be taken into account as a basis for the development of conservation and agronomic evaluation of this legume.

Orphan crops for future food security

Climate change, along with current agricultural practices, is going to pose a significant challenge for futurefood security, especially in developing countries. Orphan crops can help mitigate this threat due to theirinherent properties of stress tolerance and nutrition content. Industrialization of agriculture has left these minorcrops behind in terms of domestication. As a result, the potential of these crops is underutilized. These cropscan be a game-changer in the long term if necessary steps are taken to improve the quality as well as quantity ofyield. Concerted efforts by many groups around the world have been taken for research and development ofthese crops. Besides, the unique properties of these crops have caught the media attention, which hails thesecrops as superfoods. Favourable government policies to promote these crops can help in the large-scaleadoption of these crops by the farming community. Besides, the stress-resilience of these crops can help boostthe sustainability of agriculture and ensure food security for future generations.

Development of a drought stress-resistant rice restorer line through Oryza sativa–rufipogon hybridization

Restorer line F6 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) has been widely used in hybrid rice breeding systems in southern China. However, line F6 is susceptible to drought stress, which restricts its utilization in many areas. Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR, Oryza rufipogon Griff.) has strong drought stress resistance, but the molecular factors responsible for drought resistance in DXWR remain unknown. In this study, we used the combination of phenotypic selection and molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve the drought stress resistance of line F6 by introgression of qSDT12-2, a large effect drought stress-related quantitative trait locus identified in DXWR. Molecular MAS was carried out using linked marker RM1226, which is associated with qSDT12-2. Genomic background assessmentwas performed using 112 polymorphic markers. Finally, a stable drought stress-resistant backcross inbred line (BIL) was developed from a BC5F5 population, termed BIL627. Genetic constitution analysis revealed that the genome of BIL627 is almost identical (99.1%) to that of the restorer line F6. Further, BIL627 showed no yield penalty and no decrease in restorationability under normal conditions. Taken together, our findings reveal the intrinsic value of using genetic resources present in wild species of Oryza to improve undesirable traits found in cultivated rice.

Identification of a historic horse ecotype analyzing speech content in central Brazil / Resgate de um ecótipo equino histórico mediante análise de conteúdo de discurso no Brasil central

This study represents a first attempt to rescue germplasm of a traditional domestic equine cited in early Iberian and South American literature as Curraleiro horse. As an effort to identify and possibly characterize this type of horse we accessed traditional knowledge in strategic rural areas. Most areas were configured by hinterland settlements founded by runaway slave communities from the sixteenth century. Twenty interviews were conducted and analyzed using classical Speech Content Analysis. As a result, five response categories were recognized: 1) Identification and location of Curraleiro horses; 2) Characterization of Curraleiro horses; 3) Historical aspects; 4) Curraleiro horse conservation prospects and 5) Sanitary and productive aspects of Curraleiro horse breeding. We concluded that although scarce, the Curraleiro horse, cited in literature, still exists and showed phenotypical features which allow fine discrimination from any officially recognized breed in Brazil. Our findings may open the door for the recognition of a genuine animal resource which could play a role in rural development for specific regions and traditional communities. Speech Content Analysis was effective for in loco identification and characterization of rare traditional livestock. Thus, we encourage the usage of this tool as an alternative to subsidize identification and genetic conservation programs worldwide.(AU)

Esse estudo representa uma primeira tentativa de resgate de germoplasma em um equino doméstico tradicional citado em literatura precoce Iberiana e Sul Americana como um cavalo Curraleiro. Num esforço de identificar e possivelmente caracterizar esse tipo de cavalo, acessamos conhecimento tradicional em diversas áreas rurais estratégicas. A maioria consistia em assentamentos rurais fundados por comunidades escravas foragidas no século dezesseis. Vinte entrevistas foram conduzidas e analisadas utilizando análise de conteúdo de discurso clássico. Como resultado, cinco categorias de resposta foram reconhecidas: 1) Identificação e localização de cavalos Curraleiros; 2) Caracterização de cavalos curraleiros; 3) Aspectos históricos, 4) Perspectivas de conservação, e 5) Aspectos sanitários e produtivos da criação de cavalos Curraleiros. Concluímos que, apesar de escasso, o cavalo Curraleiro, citado na literatura, ainda existe e apresenta características fenotípicas que permitem discriminação de raças oficialmente reconhecidas no Brasil. Nossos achados podem abrir alas para o reconhecimento de um recurso animal genuíno que pode ter um papel no desenvolvimento rural em regiões específicas e comunidades tradicionais. Análise de conteúdo de discurso foi eficaz para identificação e caracterização in loco de criação tradicional rara. Desta forma, encorajamos o uso dessa ferramenta como alternativa para subsídio de identificação e programas de conservação genética ao redor do mundo.(AU)

Transcriptome analysis of phosphorus stress responsiveness in the seedlings of Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)

Abstract Background: Low phosphorus availability is a major factor restricting rice growth. Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) has many useful genes lacking in cultivated rice, including stress resistance to phosphorus deficiency, cold, salt and drought, which is considered to be a precious germplasm resource for rice breeding. However, the molecular mechanism of regulation of phosphorus deficiency tolerance is not clear. Results: In this study, cDNA libraries were constructed from the leaf and root tissues of phosphorus stressed and untreated Dongxiang wild rice seedlings, and transcriptome sequencing was performed with the goal of elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in phosphorus stress response. The results indicated that 1184 transcripts were differentially expressed in the leaves (323 up-regulated and 861 down-regulated) and 986 transcripts were differentially expressed in the roots (756 up-regulated and 230 down-regulated). 43 genes were up-regulated both in leaves and roots, 38 genes were up-regulated in roots but down-regulated in leaves, and only 2 genes were down-regulated in roots but up-regulated in leaves. Among these differentially expressed genes, the detection of many transcription factors and functional genes demonstrated that multiple regulatory pathways were involved in phosphorus deficiency tolerance. Meanwhile, the differentially expressed genes were also annotated with gene ontology terms and key pathways via functional classification and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway mapping, respectively. A set of the most important candidate genes was then identified by combining the differentially expressed genes found in the present study with previously identified phosphorus deficiency tolerance quantitative trait loci. Conclusion: The present work provides abundant genomic information for functional dissection of the phosphorus deficiency resistance of Dongxiang wild rice, which will be help to understand the biological regulatory mechanisms of phosphorus deficiency tolerance in Dongxiang wild rice.

Genetic divergences between Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) genotypes found through morphological traits / Divergencia genética entre genotipos de Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae) según caracteres morfológicos

Abstract The species Spondias mombin, is native to the Amazonian region. Since these trees' cultivation is incipient, their exploitation is done through extraction techniques. The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic divergences between S. mombin genotypesand to quantify the relative contribution from 12 morphological traits of the species' fruits and seeds, as well as to collect data able to subsidize future research on the species conservation and domestication. 60 genotypes were assessed in total, and ten fruits of each genotype were analyzed. Eight descriptors were used for fruit characterization, namely: fruit mass, pulp weight, volume, length, width, thickness, total soluble solids content and hydrogenionic potential. The seed descriptors were mass, length, width and thickness. The data were assessed through the principal components and groupings by applying the UPGMA and Tocher methods. They were analyzed in the GENES software, based on the dissimilarity matrix (Euclidean distance average). The analysis applied to the principal components showed that the first three components explained 83 % accumulated variation. The main traits contributing to the genotype discrimination were fruit width, fruit pulp weight, pH, seed length and thickness, and the most responsive traits to S. mombin genotype selection. The features fruit mass, seed width, fruit thickness, fruit volume, fruit length, seed mass and total soluble solid content presented the smallest contribution to diversity. The grouping methods UPGMA and Tocher evidenced genetic divergence between the analyzed genotypes. Genotypes 37 and 41 were more divergent than the others, what makes them promising for crossings in future genetic enhancement programs focused on the species' domestication.

Resumen Spondias mombin es un árbol nativo de la región amazónica; su explotación se produce de manera extractiva, siendo aún incipiente el cultivo de la especie. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la divergencia genética entre genotipos de S. mombin y cuantificar la contribución relativa de 12 características morfológicas de frutos y semillas, para obtener datos que permitan investigaciones futuras relativas a la conservación y domesticación de la especie. Se evaluaron 60 genotipos; de cada uno se analizaron diez frutos. Los descriptores utilizados para la caracterización de los frutos fueron ocho: masa del fruto, peso de la pulpa, volumen, longitud, anchura, espesor, contenido total de sólidos solubles y pH; los descriptores de semillas fueron cuatro: masa, longitud, anchura y espesor. Los datos se evaluaron por medio de componentes principales y agrupaciones obtenidas por métodos UPGMA y Tocher, de la matriz de disimilitud (distancia euclideana media) con ayuda del programa GENES. A través del análisis de los componentes principales, se verificó que los tres primeros componentes explican 83.63 % de la variación acumulada. Las características que más contribuyen a la discriminación de los genotipos fueron: anchura del fruto, peso de la pulpa, pH, longitud y espesor de semillas, y son las más significativas para la selección de genotipos de S. mombin. Las contribuciones más pequeñas a la diversidad se deben a: la masa del fruto, anchura de semilla, espesor, volumen y longitud del fruto, así como a la masa de las semillas y el contenido de sólidos solubles totales. Ambos métodos de agrupación, UPGMA y Tocher, revelaron que existe divergencia genética entre los genotipos analizados. Los genotipos 37 y 41 son los más divergentes respecto a los otros; por eso son ideales para programas de mejoramiento genético con miras a la domesticación de la especie.

Analysis of the genetic relationships and diversity among 11 populations of Xanthoceras sorbifolia using phenotypic and microsatellite marker data

Background: Assessments of genetic diversity are essential for germplasm characterization and exploitation. Molecular markers are valuable tools for exploring genetic variation and identifying germplasm. They play key roles in a Xanthoceras sorbifolia breeding program. Results: We analyzed the genetic diversity of populations of this species using 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci and data on kernel oil content. The 11 populations included in the study were distributed across a large geographic range in China. The kernel oil content differed significantly among populations. The SSR marker analysis detected high genetic diversity among the populations. All SSRs were polymorphic, and we identified 80 alleles across the populations. The number of alleles at each locus ranged from two to six, averaging 3.48 per primer pair. The polymorphism information content values ranged from 0.35 to 0.70, averaging 0.51. Expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, and Shannon's information index calculations detected large genetic variations among populations of different provenance. The high average number of alleles per locus and the allelic diversity observed in the set of genotypes analyzed indicated that the genetic base of this species was relatively wide. The statistically significant positive correlation between genetic and geographic distances suggested adaptations to local conditions. Conclusions: Microsatellite markers can be used to efficiently distinguish X. sorbifolia populations and assess their genetic diversity. The information we have provided will contribute to the conservation and management of this important plant genetic resource.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of genus Tripterygium based on SSR markers / 药学学报

The genus Tripterygium is an immune suppressor in the Chinese traditional medicines. Due to the habitat destruction and anthropogenic over-exploitation, the wild genus Tripterygium plants have decreased dramatically in recent years or even been endangered. It is critical to evaluate and protect genus Tripterygium wild resource. In this research, simple sequence repeat (SSR) molecular markers were applied to the investigation of the genetic diversity and genetic structure of 28 populations for genus Tripterygium (396 samples from 9 provinces in China). We found a high level of genetic diversity (percentage of polymorphic loci PPL=77.29%, Shannon's information index I=0.639 4; Nei's expected heterozygosity H=0.359 9) and high genetic differentiation among the populations (gene flow Nm=0.228 7). Based on Nei's genetic distance, the phylogenic tree of populations was constructed and 28 populations were divided into 6 clusters according to STRUCTURE clustering analysis. T. hypoglaucumwas was mainly divided into 3 clusters, including Sichuan, Yunnan and GuizhouChongqing. T. regelii was separated to cluster 4, while T. wilfordii was divided into two clusters:the transition type LQ and NY were divided into cluster 5, and the others were in cluster 6. These results provide a theory basis for the conservation of wild resource, research of genetic polymorphism and molecular marker for assisted breeding of genus Tripterygium.

Técnicas moleculares para caracterização e conservação de plantas medicinais e aromáticas: uma revisão / Molecular techniques for characterization and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants: a review

RESUMO Os estudos que visam à caracterização e conservação de germoplasma de espécies de plantas medicinais e aromáticas vêm crescendo de forma expressiva frente ao potencial econômico dessas espécies. Para tanto, diferentes marcadores moleculares estão disponíveis no mercado, e a seleção de um ou mais marcadores requer o conhecimento de suas propriedades e aplicações. Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre as principais técnicas moleculares utilizadas nesses estudos.

ABSTRACT The studies which aim on the characterization and conservation of the germplasm from medicinal and aromatic plant species have been frequent, due to the economic potential of these species. Therefore, different molecular markers are available in the market, and the selection of one or more markers requires knowledge of their properties and applications. This work aims to present a literature review about the main molecular techniques used in these studies.

Genetic divergence among Dimorphandra spp. accessions using RAPD markers / Divergência genética entre acessos de Dimorphandra spp. usando marcadores RAPD

The genus Dimorphandra has distinguish relevance considering either medicinal or biodiversity aspects because it includes two species that are economically important flavonoids sources for pharmachemical industry (D. mollis Benth. and D. gardneriana Tul.), and species endemic to Brazil, such as D. jorgei Silva and D. wilsonii Rizz., threatened by extinction. In order to evaluate variability among accessions of D. mollis (fava-d'anta), D. gardneriana and D. wilsonii, it was collected fruit from individual plants from three Brazilian states in a total of 57 accessions, which were analyzed with RAPD markers. It was used 20 seeds per progeny; the DNA was extracted from fully-formed young leaves, which were collected in bulk. The data were analyzed using a binary matrix, in which the score one represented presence of a band and zero, absence. The similarity matrix was developed by using the arithmetic complement of the Jaccard index, later grouped based on the Neighbor Joining algorithm. It was found considerable intra and inter specific variability in Dimorphandra spp., which were separated into four groups. Though genetic variability was found, the collecting trips showed that most of these areas are subject to loss of genetic resources of fava-d'anta due to the following factors: continuous anthropic activity, propensity for natural fires, and loss of natural seed dispersers (large fruit-eating mammals). Therefore, protections of these areas and ex situ conservation are essentials for the maintenance of genetic variability of these species.

O gênero Dimorphandra tem grande relevância, sobretudo nos aspectos medicinais e de biodiversidade, por incluir duas espécies que são importantes economicamente como fontes de flavonoides para indústria farmacoquímica (D. mollis Benth. e D. gardneriana Tull.), e espécies endêmicas do Brasil, como a D. jorgei Silva e D. wilsonii Rizz., sendo esta ameaçada de extinção. Objetivando avaliar a variabilidade entre acessos de D. mollis, D. gardneriana e D. wilsonii, foram realizadas coletas de frutos separados por planta em três estados brasileiros em um total de 57 acessos que foram analisados por meio da técnica RAPD. Utilizaram-se vinte sementes por progênie e o DNA, extraído de folhas definitivas, jovens, e coletadas em bulk. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se uma matriz de dados binários. Para formação da matriz de dissimilaridade, foi utilizado o complemento aritmético do Índice de Jaccard e posteriormente o agrupamento pelo algoritmo de Neighbor Joining. O estudo revelou que existe variabilidade entre e dentro das espécies de Dimorphandra spp., o qual formou quatro grupos. Apesar da variabilidade genética constatada, as expedições de coleta demonstraram que a maioria das áreas amostradas está sujeita a perdas de recursos genéticos de fava-d'anta devido aos seguintes fatores: ocorrência de ação antrópica contínua; propensão a incêndios naturais; e diminuição dos dispersores naturais de sementes (grandes mamíferos frugíveros). Assim, a proteção destas áreas e a conservação ex situ, são primordiais para manutenção da variabilidade genética dessas espécies.

Access and Benefit-sharing Regime and Its Application in the Field of Chinese Medicine / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To put forward the tentative idea of the application of the access and benefit-sharing regime in the field of Chinese medicine.METHODS:The existing problems of protecting biological diversity in the field of Chinese medicine and what problems the access and benefit-sharing regime could solve were analyzed.RESULTS & CONCLUSION:Our preliminary idea for applying access and benefit-sharing regime in the field of Chinese medicine is to set up a special department for negotiation,identify the rights and subject,construct registration system and informed consent procedure,improve the source disclosure system and add the benefit-sharing regulation.

Ethical Problems on Collection,Storage and Use of the Important Disease Genetic Resources / 中国医学伦理学

In the modern biotechnology era,the important disease genetic resources become the most dependent factor.We expound the actuality of the collection,storage and use of the important disease genetic resources in China,and discuss the problems and challenges we meet.So the chief mission we should do is establishing the database and collecting,storing and using these valuable resources under standard procedure with aim,plan and organization.