A non-conserved sequence in the 5'region of the CYH2 intron from Saccharomyces cerevisiae controls splicing efficiency of the pre-mRNA

The CYH2 gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae containing one 510 bp intron is spliced inefficiently. We have shown previously that a non-conserved sequence within the intron is responsible for this low splicing efficiency. Using synthetic oligonucleotides comprising the identified region we show in this report that a very short region contains the specificity to act negatively on the splicing efficiency of the CYH2 gene. Furthermore, this sequence influences the splicing efficiency only when it is placed close to the 5' splice site of the gene. Investigations with chimeric CYH2/beta-actin genes show that this sequence acts independent from its natural surroundings. We propose that this sequence might interact with splicing factor(s).     

软件基因概念框架、内涵及特征研究

软件生命化的特点启发作者针对软件基因的概念、内涵和特征等问题,利用生物技术,进行研究.研究发现:软件基因实际上是程序的一条语句指令.     

Inferring Invasion History of Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) in China from Mitochondrial Control Region and Nuclear Intron Sequences

Identifying the dispersal pathways of an invasive species is useful for adopting the appropriate strategies to prevent and control its spread. However, these processes are exceedingly complex. So, it is necessary to apply new technology and collect representative samples for analysis. This study used Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) in combination with traditional genetic tools to examine extensive sample data and historical records to infer the invasion history of the red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, in China. The sequences of the mitochondrial control region and the proPOx intron in the nuclear genome of samples from 37 sites (35 in China and one each in Japan and the USA) were analyzed. The results of combined scenarios testing and historical records revealed a much more complex invasion history in China than previously believed. P. clarkii was most likely originally introduced into China from Japan from an unsampled source, and the species then expanded its range primarily into the middle and lower reaches and, to a lesser extent, into the upper reaches of the Changjiang River in China. No transfer was observed from the upper reaches to the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River. Human-mediated jump dispersal was an important dispersal pathway for P. clarkii. The results provide a better understanding of the evolutionary scenarios involved in the rapid invasion of P. clarkii in China.     

非编码DNA的研究

根据生物体长期进化所产生的“fail-safe”效应,着重讨论了占基因组98%以上的非编码DNA序列的生物学功能;分析了密码子-氨基酸矩阵、密码子-反密码子矩阵在DNA复制、转录过程中防止基因突变的摇摆(Wobble)现象;阐明了基因结构中非编码“内含子”提高转录过程的可靠性;揭示了基因组中全部非编码DNA,特别是重复序列中的“转座子”在基因组中散在插入特性,构成了基因组的骨架——基因载体,对DNA分子的结构稳定性起了关键作用,从而可以减轻,乃至“屏蔽”恶劣的细胞环境对基因的干扰和损伤.     

遗传规划中的基因内区研究

利用试验证实遗传规划的个体中存在基因内区、它们是冗余的表达式,附加在算法树上,使个体变得臃肿,但对实际输出结果没影响,它对进化的收敛既有积极作用,也有消极作用,通过对遗传操作方法和参数的研究,揭示也基因内区发生的规律,并提出扬长避短的途径。