Expression of RsMYB1 in chrysanthemum regulates key anthocyanin biosynthetic genes

Background Several MYB genes belonging to R2R3 MYB transcription factors have been used in several plant species to enhance anthocyanin production, and have shown various expression or regulation patterns. This study focused on the effect of ectopic expression of an RsMYB1 isolated from radish (Raphanus sativa) on chrysanthemum cv. ‘Shinma'. Results The RT-PCR results confirmed that RsMYB1 regulated the expression of three key biosynthetic genes (CmF3H, CmDFR, and CmANS) that are responsible for anthocyanin production in transgenic chrysanthemum, but were not detected in the non-transgenic line. In all transgenic plants, higher expression levels of key biosynthetic genes were observed in flowers than in leaves. However, the presence of RsMYB1 in chrysanthemum did not affect any morphological characteristics, such as plant height, leaf shape or size, and number of flowers. Furthermore, no anthocyanin accumulation was visually observed in the leaves and floral tissue of any of the transgenic lines, which was further confirmed by anthocyanin content estimation. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first time the role of an MYB transcription factor in anthocyanin production has been investigated in chrysanthemum.

ABO blood groups and susceptibility to Malaria

A total of 425 villagers from four malaria endemie villages in Kanbaunk village tract, Yephyu Township. Taninthayee Division were examined for the presence of malaria parasites in blood and ABO blood groups with the aim to find out if there are any differences in the parasite positive rate among the ABO bolld groups. The distribution of blood groups was 22 per cent, 35 per cent, 38 per cent and 5 per cent for A,B,O and AB blood groups respectively. their allotment are similar to other parts of the country. the parasite positive rate in all persons irrespective of blood group was 23 per cent P. falciparum and P. vivax accounting for 81 per cent and 19 per cent respectively. when the parasite positive rates were compared among the 4 blood groups, they were 20 per cent, 14 per cent, 16 per cent and 14 per cent respectively but there was no significant difference among different blood groups. The ratio of P. falciparum and P. vivax did not differ significantly among the four blood groups. Thus, according to our results ABO blood groups have no relation with malaria susceptibility.

Correlation between immunofluorescence assay (IFA) positivity and malaria endemicity in Myanmar

Immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for intra-erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum parasite was determined in all ages and both sexes of permanent inhabitants of 3 villages in Myanmar with differing malaria endemicity. According to the WHO criteria, malaria endemicity depends on the parasite positive rate and spleen rate and the 3 villages could be characterized as one village each of hypoendemicity, mesoendemicity and hyperendemicity. The prevalence of IFA positivity were 30 per cent , 71 per cent and 97 per cent and the mean IFA titers were 800, 13,800 and 174,000 in the hypo, meso and hyperendemic villages respectively.. Thus, there is a good correlation between malaria endemicity and the IFA positivity and mean IFA titers. These data indicate that IFA assay can be used to assess malaria endemicity and applicable where proper epidemiological surveys especially in low and medium endemic areas are not possible.