Programmed cell death （apoptosis） is a key host response to virus infection. Viruses that can modulate host apoptotic responses are likely to gain important opportunities for transmission. Here we review recent stud...Programmed cell death （apoptosis） is a key host response to virus infection. Viruses that can modulate host apoptotic responses are likely to gain important opportunities for transmission. Here we review recent studies that demonstrate that particles of Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 （IIV-6） （Iridoviridae, genus Iridovirus）, or an IIV-6 virion protein extract, are capable of inducing apoptosis in lepidopteran and coleopteran cells, at concentrations 1000-fold lower than that required to shut-off host macromolecular synthesis. Induction of apoptosis depends on endocytosis of one or more heat-sensitive virion component（s）. Studies with a JNK inhibitor （SP600125） indicated that the JNK signaling pathway is significantly involved in apoptosis in IIV-6 infections of Choristoneurafumiferana cells. The genome of IIV-6 codes for an inhibitor of apoptosis iap gene （193R） that encodes a protein of 208 aa with 15% identity and 28% similarity in its amino acid sequence to IAP-3 from Cydia pomonella ganulovirus （CpGV）. Transcription of IIV-6 iap did not require prior DNA or protein synthesis, indicating that it is an immediate-early class gene. Transient expression and gene knockdown studies have confirmed the functional nature of the IIV-6 lap gene. We present a tentative model for IIV-6 induction and inhibition of apoptosis in insect cells and discuss the potential applications of these findings in insect pest control.展开更多
Orchid diversity provides a unique opportunity to further our understanding of biotic and abiotic factors linked to patterns of richness,endemism,and phylogenetic endemism in many regions.However,orchid diversity is c...Orchid diversity provides a unique opportunity to further our understanding of biotic and abiotic factors linked to patterns of richness,endemism,and phylogenetic endemism in many regions.However,orchid diversity is consistently threatened by illegal trade and habitat transformation.Here,we identified areas critical for orchid conservation in the biogeographic province of Megamexico.For this purpose,we evaluated orchid endemism,phylogenetic diversity,and phylogenetic endemism within Megamexico and characterized orchid life forms.Our results indicate that the majority of the regions with the highest estimates of endemism and phylogenetic endemism are in southern Mexico and northern Central America,mostly located on the Pacific side of Megamexico.Among the most important orchid lineages,several belong to epiphytic lineages such as Pleurothallidinae,Laeliinae and Oncidiinae.We also found that species from diverse and distantly related lineages converge in montane forests where suitable substrates for epiphytes abound.Furthermore,the southernmost areas of phylogenetic diversity and endemism of Megamexico are in unprotected areas.Thus,we conclude that the most critical areas for orchid conservation in Megamexico are located in southern Mexico and northern Central America.We recommend that these areas should be given priority by the Mexican system of natural protected areas as complementary conservation areas.展开更多
基金SLB was supported in part by Research Enhancement FundsResearch Development Funds from the Office of the Vice-President for Research, Texas Tech University and the Texas Higher Education Coordin-ating Boardprovided by the Depar-tment of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University
文摘Programmed cell death （apoptosis） is a key host response to virus infection. Viruses that can modulate host apoptotic responses are likely to gain important opportunities for transmission. Here we review recent studies that demonstrate that particles of Invertebrate iridescent virus 6 （IIV-6） （Iridoviridae, genus Iridovirus）, or an IIV-6 virion protein extract, are capable of inducing apoptosis in lepidopteran and coleopteran cells, at concentrations 1000-fold lower than that required to shut-off host macromolecular synthesis. Induction of apoptosis depends on endocytosis of one or more heat-sensitive virion component（s）. Studies with a JNK inhibitor （SP600125） indicated that the JNK signaling pathway is significantly involved in apoptosis in IIV-6 infections of Choristoneurafumiferana cells. The genome of IIV-6 codes for an inhibitor of apoptosis iap gene （193R） that encodes a protein of 208 aa with 15% identity and 28% similarity in its amino acid sequence to IAP-3 from Cydia pomonella ganulovirus （CpGV）. Transcription of IIV-6 iap did not require prior DNA or protein synthesis, indicating that it is an immediate-early class gene. Transient expression and gene knockdown studies have confirmed the functional nature of the IIV-6 lap gene. We present a tentative model for IIV-6 induction and inhibition of apoptosis in insect cells and discuss the potential applications of these findings in insect pest control.
基金The study was carried out with the support of CONACyT,which awarded an M.Sc.scholarship to BEGR(CVU935962)through the Instituto de Ecología,A.C.
文摘Orchid diversity provides a unique opportunity to further our understanding of biotic and abiotic factors linked to patterns of richness,endemism,and phylogenetic endemism in many regions.However,orchid diversity is consistently threatened by illegal trade and habitat transformation.Here,we identified areas critical for orchid conservation in the biogeographic province of Megamexico.For this purpose,we evaluated orchid endemism,phylogenetic diversity,and phylogenetic endemism within Megamexico and characterized orchid life forms.Our results indicate that the majority of the regions with the highest estimates of endemism and phylogenetic endemism are in southern Mexico and northern Central America,mostly located on the Pacific side of Megamexico.Among the most important orchid lineages,several belong to epiphytic lineages such as Pleurothallidinae,Laeliinae and Oncidiinae.We also found that species from diverse and distantly related lineages converge in montane forests where suitable substrates for epiphytes abound.Furthermore,the southernmost areas of phylogenetic diversity and endemism of Megamexico are in unprotected areas.Thus,we conclude that the most critical areas for orchid conservation in Megamexico are located in southern Mexico and northern Central America.We recommend that these areas should be given priority by the Mexican system of natural protected areas as complementary conservation areas.
