Construction of an anchoring SSR marker genetic linkage map and detection of a sex-linked region in two dioecious populations of red bayberry.

Red bayberry (Morella rubra) is an evergreen fruit tree found in southern China whose whole-genome sequence has recently been published. We updated the linkage map of the species by adding 118 SSR markers and the female-specific marker MrFT2_BD-SEX. The integrated map included eight linkage groups and spanned 491 cM. Eleven sex-associated markers were identified, six of which were located in linkage group 8, in agreement with the previously reported location of the sex-determining region. The MrFT2_BD-SEX marker was genotyped in 203 cultivated accessions. Among the females of the accessions, we found two female-specific alleles, designated W-b (151 bp) and W-d (129 bp). We previously found that 'Dongkui', a female cultivar, could produce viable pollen (we refer to such plants 'Dongkui-male') and serve as the paternal parent in crosses. The genotypes of the MrFT2_BD-SEX marker were W-b/Z in 'Biqi' and W-d/Z in 'Dongkui-male'. The progeny of a cross between these parents produced a 3:1 female (W-) to male (ZZ) ratio and the expected 1:1:1:1 ratio of W-b/W-d: W-b/Z: W-d/Z: Z/Z. In addition, the flowering and fruiting phenotypes of all the F1 progeny fit their genotypes. Our results confirm the existence of ZW sex determination and show that the female phenotype is controlled by a single dominant locus (W) in a small genomic region (59 kb and less than 3.3 cM). Furthermore, we have produced a homozygous "super female" (WW) that should produce all-female offspring in the F2 generation, providing a foundation for commercial use and presenting great potential for use in modern breeding programs.

Modulation of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in vitro by Astragalus polysaccharides.

Previous studies have shown that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) can be used to treat general gastrointestinal disturbances including intestinal mucosal injury. However, the mechanism by which APS mediate this effect is unclear. In the present study, the effects of APS on proliferation, migration, and differentiation of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) were assessed using an in vitro wounding model and colorimetric thiazolyl blue (MTT) assays. The effect of APS on IEC-6 cell differentiation was observed using a light microscope and scanning electron microscope, and the expression of differentiation-specific markers of IEC-6 cells, such as cytokeratin 18 (CK18), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tight junction protein ZO-2, and sucrase-isomaltase (SI), was determined by immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and real-time PCR. In addition, APS-induced signaling pathways in IEC-6 cells were characterized. Our results indicated that APS significantly enhance migration and proliferation of IEC-6 cells in vitro. APS-treated IEC-6 cells have numerous microvilli on their apical surface and also highly express CK18, ALP, ZO-2, and SI. Moreover, APS-treated IEC-6 cells, in which the activity and expression level of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) were significantly elevated, also exhibited an increase in cellular putrescine, whereas no significant increase in TGF-ß levels was observed. These findings suggest that APS may enhance intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in vitro by stimulating ODC gene expression and activity and putrescine production, independent of TGF-ß. Exogenous administration of APS may provide a new approach for modulating intestinal epithelial wound restitution in vivo.

A study on the inhibitory effect of polysaccharides from Radix ranunculus ternati on human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines.

The objective of this paper was to study the in vitro anti-breast cancer activity of polysaccharides from Radix ranunculus ternati. Different concentrations of polysaccharide extracts were selected, and MTT assay and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to investigate their growth-inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. Radix ranunculus ternati polysaccharides had varying degrees of effects on the growth of human breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines, and the differences were significant compared with the blank control group. FCM showed that the polysaccharides can induce apoptosis. In addition, it can also enhance NK cell activity. Radix ranunculus ternati polysaccharides have a relatively good in-vitro anti-breast cancer activity.

[Study on the effect of mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy on serum creatine kinase in gym-athletes].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into eliminating action of mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy on athletic fatigue. METHODS: Observe changes of serum creatine kinase activity in gym-athletes with once great intensity training or periodic great intensity training, and the interfering effect of mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy. RESULTS: The mild moxibustion combined with cupping therapy has a significant promoting action on recovery of the increased serum creatine kinase activity induced by once great intensity training or periodic great intensity training in gym-athletes. CONCLUSION: The method has a better action of eliminating athletic fatigue.