Wolbachia affects reproduction in the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus (Acari: Tetranychidae) by regulating chorion protein S38-like and Rop.

Wolbachia-induced reproductive regulation in hosts has been used to control pest populations, but little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying Wolbachia regulation of host genes. Here, reproductive regulation by Wolbachia in the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus was studied at the molecular level. Infection with Wolbachia resulted in decreasing oviposition and cytoplasmic incompatibility in T. truncatus. Further RNA-seq revealed genes regulated by Wolbachia in T. truncatus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) showed that genes, including chorion protein S38-like and Rop were down-regulated by Wolbachia. RNA interference (RNAi) of chorion protein S38-like and Rop in Wolbachia-uninfected T. truncatus decreased oviposition, which was consistent with Wolbachia-induced oviposition decrease. Interestingly, suppressing Rop in Wolbachia-infected T. truncatus led to increased Wolbachia titres in eggs; however, this did not occur after RNAi of chorion protein S38-like. This is the first study to show that chorion protein S38-like and Rop facilitate Wolbachia-mediated changes in T. truncatus fertility. In addition, RNAi of Rop turned the body colour of Wolbachia-uninfected T. truncatus black, which indicates that the role of Rop is not limited to the reproductive regulation of T. truncatus.

A pair of isomeric saponins with cytotoxicity from Albizzia julibrissin.

Two new saponins have been isolated from the stem barks of Albizzia julibrissin Durazz, and their structures identified as 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-2-deoxy-2-acetoamidoglucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[4-O-((6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-hydroxy-6-methyl-2,7-octadienoyl)-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl}-acacic acid-28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 --> 4)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (1) and 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 --> 6)-beta-D-2-deoxy-2-acetoamidoglucopyranosyl]-21-O-{(6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-6-O-[3-O-((6S)-2-trans-2-hydroxymethyl-6-hydroxy-6-methyl-2,7-octadienoyl)-beta-D-quinovopyranosyl]-2,7-octadienoyl}acacic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 3)-[alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1 --> 4)]-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl ester (2), based on chemical and spectral evidences, named as julibroside J19 and julibroside J18, respectively. Both compounds show significant inhibition action against HeLa, Bel-7402 and MDA-MB-435 cancer cell lines in vitro.

A locus for spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome at chromosome 3p14.

Spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterised by vertebral fusions, frequently manifesting as an unsegmented vertebral bar, as well as fusions of the carpal and tarsal bones. In a study of three consanguineous families and one non-consanguineous family, linkage analysis was used to establish the chromosomal location of the disease gene. Linkage analysis localised the disease gene to chromosome 3p14. A maximum lod score of 6.49 (q = 0) was obtained for the marker at locus D3S3532 on chromosome 3p. Recombination mapping narrowed the linked region to the 5.7 cM genetic interval between the markers at loci D3S3724 and D3S1300. A common region of homozygosity was found between the markers at loci D3S3724 and D3S1300, defining a physical interval of approximately 4 million base pairs likely to contain the disease gene. Identification of the gene responsible for this disorder will provide insight into the genes that play a role in the formation of the vertebral column and joints.

Synthesis and biological activities of diquaternary dipiperazinium salts containing dithiocarboxyl groups.

A series of diquaternary dipiperazinium salts containing dithiocarboxyl groups 6a-f and 9 were synthesized and evaluated for their analgesic and sedative activities. The result showed that the presence of two quaternary ammonium cations and the distance between them are very important for the activities of the salts. Compound 6b exhibited the best activities (at dose 2 mg/kg, analgesic, 57%; sedative, 59%) among compounds 6a-f. Compound 9 not only showed the most potent analgesic (85.4%, dose 1 mg/kg) and sedative (93.1%, dose 1 mg/kg) activities, but also exhibited anticancer activity against KB (68.7%, dose 10 microM).