We herein describe a new species of spiny frog,Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp.nov.from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve,Xinyi City,Guangdong Province,China.Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial(810 bp Cyt b...We herein describe a new species of spiny frog,Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp.nov.from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve,Xinyi City,Guangdong Province,China.Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial(810 bp Cyt b)and nuclear(1852 bp concatenated Rag2,Tyr,and Rhod)genetic data was used to test its distinctiveness within Quasipaa.Morphologically,the new species differs from other congeners by the following diagnostic characteristics:relatively large body size within Quasipaa;dorsal skin relatively smooth,having sparse tubercles;lacking spiny tubercles on the ventrolateral sides of the body;lacking keratinized spines in the ventral surface of the body,only present on prepollex,fingers I and II,in breeding males.Both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic results indicate that Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp.nov.constitutes a highly supported,deeply divergent lineage,but its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus Quasipaa remains unresolved.In view of the pronounced discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets within Quasipaa,we encourage future studies to use genome-wide data to improve phylogenetic resolution and to estimate species diversity more accurately.展开更多
The giant spiny frog （Quasipaa spinosa） is an endangered species with a relatively small distribution limited to southern China and Northern Vietnam. This species is becoming increasingly threatened because of over-...The giant spiny frog （Quasipaa spinosa） is an endangered species with a relatively small distribution limited to southern China and Northern Vietnam. This species is becoming increasingly threatened because of over-exploitation and habitat degradation. This study provides data on the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the giant spiny frog to facilitate the further development of effective conservation recommendations for this economically important but threatened species. We examined 10 species-specific microsatellite loci and Cyt b genes （562 bp） collected from 13 wild populations across the entire range of this species. Results of 10 microsatellite loci analysis showed a generally high level of genetic diversity. Moreover, the genetic differentiation among all 12 populations was moderate to large （overall Fs7= 0.1057）. A total of 51 haplotypes were identified for Cyt b, which suggests high haplotype nucleotide diversities. Phylogeographic and population structure analyses using both DNA markers suggested that the wild giant spiny frog can be divided into four distinct major clades, i.e., Northern Vietnam, Western China, Central China, and Eastern China. The clades with significant genetic divergence are reproductively isolated, as evidenced by a high number of private alleles and strong incidence of failed amplification in microsatellite loci. Our research, coupled with other studies, suggests that Q. spinosa might be a species complex within which no detectable morphological variation has been revealed. The four phylogenetic clades and some subclades with distinct geographical distribution should be regarded as independent management units for conservation purposes.展开更多
Few amphibians possess morphologically distinguishable heteromorphic sex chromosomes.The classic indirect method is a time-consuming and resource-demanding task to identify the heterogametic sex.Here we have taken adv...Few amphibians possess morphologically distinguishable heteromorphic sex chromosomes.The classic indirect method is a time-consuming and resource-demanding task to identify the heterogametic sex.Here we have taken advantage of a sex-specific microsatellite marker,by amplifying a large number of samples of known male and female individuals from various populations,to reveal a homogeneous pattern of male heterogamety in Quasipaa boulengeri.The identification of the heterogametic sex will help interpreting the evolution of sex determination.Besides relevance for evolutionary studies of sex determination,the sex-linked markers have potential for addressing practical issues in conservation biology because the sex reversal that caused by anthropogenic endocrine disruptors is considered as a reason for amphibian decline.展开更多
The objectives of this study are to present a detailed and comprehensive description of the osteology of Quasipaa robertingeri （Anura： Dicroglossidae）, to provide osteological evidence for taxonomy, and to explore ...The objectives of this study are to present a detailed and comprehensive description of the osteology of Quasipaa robertingeri （Anura： Dicroglossidae）, to provide osteological evidence for taxonomy, and to explore the adaptive traits of Q. robertingeri. We comprehensively studied the osteology of 2 adult specimens （1 male 98A00351 and 1 female 98A0041） of Q. robertingeri using conventional methods. Our osteological examination of Q. robertingeri shows that 1） the nasals are large and connect with one another medially; 2） the sphenethmoid is completely covered by the nasals and the frontopatietals, and thus it is not exposed dorsally; 3） the vomerine teeth are well-developed; 4） the anterior parts of the diapophyses＇ of the presacral II protrude forward in the male, the same observation was made in the presacrals II and III in the female; 5） the pectoral girdle is firmisternal; 6） the omosternum is fan-shaped posteriorly, and almost equal to the length of the mesosternum; 7） the xiphistemum is W-shaped with a deep incision posteriorly; 8） the humerus of the male is more developed in the crista ventralis, the crista medialis, and the crista lateralis; 9） the metacarpal II of the male presents with a nuptial tuber; and 10） the distal phalanges of the digits are anchorshaped. Ultimately, the unique characteristics listed are most likely adaptations to the environment and amplexus of Q. robertingeri.展开更多
Quasipaa boulengeri,a spiny frog,is widely distributed in the low mountain regions,around Sichuan Basin.Our previous study revealed five karyotypes,caused by a translocation,that are randomly distributed throughout di...Quasipaa boulengeri,a spiny frog,is widely distributed in the low mountain regions,around Sichuan Basin.Our previous study revealed five karyotypes,caused by a translocation,that are randomly distributed throughout different populations.5S rDNA and telomere sequence(TTAGGG) n are potential good markers for chromosome identification and karyological evolution.In this study,we examined the sequences of 14 populations using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) to detect if there is any variation between karyologically normal and translocated populations.5S rDNA loci were located at the same position on chromosomes 1 in 7 translocated populations.In two of the seven normal populations,5S rDNA also occurred on chromosome 5 in addition to chromosome 1.Our findings further indicate that the 5S rDNA on No.1 most likely represents the ancestral condition,while the minor loci represent the derived state.Signal density variations of the 5S rDNA were observed beteween homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids of pair 1 in both normal and translocated populations.Telomere sequences were identically located on all ends of the 26 chromosomes in seven rearranged populations,however,no ITSs were observed on the translocated chromosomes 1 and 6.Two of the six normal populations were found to contain ITSs which indicates that populations with translocation events diverged prior to those with ITSs rearrangements.In the KKS and BF populations,the ITSs of chromosome 3 are not always found on both homologues.Inter-chromosomal signal strength of telomeric sequences commonly differs within all populations.展开更多
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP)represents the most common form of secondary osteoporosis.We investigated the structural characteristics and anti-osteoporosis activity of Quasipaa spinosa skin polysaccharide(...Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP)represents the most common form of secondary osteoporosis.We investigated the structural characteristics and anti-osteoporosis activity of Quasipaa spinosa skin polysaccharide(QSP II-2)in a GIOP zebrafish model.The structure of QSP II-2 was characterized by HPAEC,FTIR,GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy,identified as anα-glucan with a Mw of 4.6 kDa,and further characterized as a repeating unit consisting of→3,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→and→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→residues,and the side chain consisted mainly ofα-D-Glcp-(1→attached to the O-3 of→3,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→.Functionally,QSP II-2 significantly increased skull mineralization in zebrafish with GIOP,suggesting a protective effect against osteoporosis.Mechanistic analysis revealed that QSP II-2 promoted bone formation by upregulating osteoblast-related genes(Runx2b,Runx2a,Col1a2,Alp and Sp7)while suppressing bone resorption via downregulation of osteoclast-related genes(Ctsk,Nf-κb2,Nfatc1 and Acp5).Collectively,these findings support Quasipaa spinosa skin as a viable source of anti-osteoporotic agents for functional food applications.展开更多
基金supported by the DFGP Project of Fauna of Guangdong-202115,Science and Technology Planning Projects of Guangdong Province(2021B1212110002)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32400361)+1 种基金Biological Resources Programme,Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS-TAX-24-052)the project“Population Survey and Monitoring of the Shinisaurus crocodilurus and Syntopic Amphibian and Reptile Inventory”supported by the Guangdong Wildlife Rescue and Monitoring Center.
文摘We herein describe a new species of spiny frog,Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp.nov.from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve,Xinyi City,Guangdong Province,China.Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial(810 bp Cyt b)and nuclear(1852 bp concatenated Rag2,Tyr,and Rhod)genetic data was used to test its distinctiveness within Quasipaa.Morphologically,the new species differs from other congeners by the following diagnostic characteristics:relatively large body size within Quasipaa;dorsal skin relatively smooth,having sparse tubercles;lacking spiny tubercles on the ventrolateral sides of the body;lacking keratinized spines in the ventral surface of the body,only present on prepollex,fingers I and II,in breeding males.Both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic results indicate that Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp.nov.constitutes a highly supported,deeply divergent lineage,but its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus Quasipaa remains unresolved.In view of the pronounced discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets within Quasipaa,we encourage future studies to use genome-wide data to improve phylogenetic resolution and to estimate species diversity more accurately.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.31172116 and No.31472015)the Major Science and Technology Specific Projects of Zhejiang Province of China(No.2010C12008)+2 种基金the project of the Science Technology Commission of Zhejiang Province of China(No.2011C22006)the Found for the science and technology innovation team of Zhejiang Province of China(No.2012R10026-07)the Key Program of the Twelfth Five Year New Aquatic Varieties Breeding Cooperation of Zhejiang Province of China(2012C12907-9)
文摘The giant spiny frog （Quasipaa spinosa） is an endangered species with a relatively small distribution limited to southern China and Northern Vietnam. This species is becoming increasingly threatened because of over-exploitation and habitat degradation. This study provides data on the genetic diversity and population genetic structure of the giant spiny frog to facilitate the further development of effective conservation recommendations for this economically important but threatened species. We examined 10 species-specific microsatellite loci and Cyt b genes （562 bp） collected from 13 wild populations across the entire range of this species. Results of 10 microsatellite loci analysis showed a generally high level of genetic diversity. Moreover, the genetic differentiation among all 12 populations was moderate to large （overall Fs7= 0.1057）. A total of 51 haplotypes were identified for Cyt b, which suggests high haplotype nucleotide diversities. Phylogeographic and population structure analyses using both DNA markers suggested that the wild giant spiny frog can be divided into four distinct major clades, i.e., Northern Vietnam, Western China, Central China, and Eastern China. The clades with significant genetic divergence are reproductively isolated, as evidenced by a high number of private alleles and strong incidence of failed amplification in microsatellite loci. Our research, coupled with other studies, suggests that Q. spinosa might be a species complex within which no detectable morphological variation has been revealed. The four phylogenetic clades and some subclades with distinct geographical distribution should be regarded as independent management units for conservation purposes.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.31272282,No.31572241 and No.31401960)
文摘Few amphibians possess morphologically distinguishable heteromorphic sex chromosomes.The classic indirect method is a time-consuming and resource-demanding task to identify the heterogametic sex.Here we have taken advantage of a sex-specific microsatellite marker,by amplifying a large number of samples of known male and female individuals from various populations,to reveal a homogeneous pattern of male heterogamety in Quasipaa boulengeri.The identification of the heterogametic sex will help interpreting the evolution of sex determination.Besides relevance for evolutionary studies of sex determination,the sex-linked markers have potential for addressing practical issues in conservation biology because the sex reversal that caused by anthropogenic endocrine disruptors is considered as a reason for amphibian decline.
基金provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to Xiaohong CHEN (Grant Nos.30870277,31372164,31572245)the key discipline of ecology of Henan Province, and the innovation team of science and technology of Henan Province (C20140032)
文摘The objectives of this study are to present a detailed and comprehensive description of the osteology of Quasipaa robertingeri （Anura： Dicroglossidae）, to provide osteological evidence for taxonomy, and to explore the adaptive traits of Q. robertingeri. We comprehensively studied the osteology of 2 adult specimens （1 male 98A00351 and 1 female 98A0041） of Q. robertingeri using conventional methods. Our osteological examination of Q. robertingeri shows that 1） the nasals are large and connect with one another medially; 2） the sphenethmoid is completely covered by the nasals and the frontopatietals, and thus it is not exposed dorsally; 3） the vomerine teeth are well-developed; 4） the anterior parts of the diapophyses＇ of the presacral II protrude forward in the male, the same observation was made in the presacrals II and III in the female; 5） the pectoral girdle is firmisternal; 6） the omosternum is fan-shaped posteriorly, and almost equal to the length of the mesosternum; 7） the xiphistemum is W-shaped with a deep incision posteriorly; 8） the humerus of the male is more developed in the crista ventralis, the crista medialis, and the crista lateralis; 9） the metacarpal II of the male presents with a nuptial tuber; and 10） the distal phalanges of the digits are anchorshaped. Ultimately, the unique characteristics listed are most likely adaptations to the environment and amplexus of Q. robertingeri.
基金partly supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (30870287)Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (KSCX2-EW-J-22) to Zeng X M
文摘Quasipaa boulengeri,a spiny frog,is widely distributed in the low mountain regions,around Sichuan Basin.Our previous study revealed five karyotypes,caused by a translocation,that are randomly distributed throughout different populations.5S rDNA and telomere sequence(TTAGGG) n are potential good markers for chromosome identification and karyological evolution.In this study,we examined the sequences of 14 populations using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) to detect if there is any variation between karyologically normal and translocated populations.5S rDNA loci were located at the same position on chromosomes 1 in 7 translocated populations.In two of the seven normal populations,5S rDNA also occurred on chromosome 5 in addition to chromosome 1.Our findings further indicate that the 5S rDNA on No.1 most likely represents the ancestral condition,while the minor loci represent the derived state.Signal density variations of the 5S rDNA were observed beteween homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids of pair 1 in both normal and translocated populations.Telomere sequences were identically located on all ends of the 26 chromosomes in seven rearranged populations,however,no ITSs were observed on the translocated chromosomes 1 and 6.Two of the six normal populations were found to contain ITSs which indicates that populations with translocation events diverged prior to those with ITSs rearrangements.In the KKS and BF populations,the ITSs of chromosome 3 are not always found on both homologues.Inter-chromosomal signal strength of telomeric sequences commonly differs within all populations.
基金supported by the National Steering Committee of Agricultural Graduate Education of China(grant numbers:2021-NYYB-20)the opening project of Fujian Provincial University Engineering Research Center of Marine Biomedical Resources(grant numbers:XMMC-OP202310).
文摘Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis(GIOP)represents the most common form of secondary osteoporosis.We investigated the structural characteristics and anti-osteoporosis activity of Quasipaa spinosa skin polysaccharide(QSP II-2)in a GIOP zebrafish model.The structure of QSP II-2 was characterized by HPAEC,FTIR,GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy,identified as anα-glucan with a Mw of 4.6 kDa,and further characterized as a repeating unit consisting of→3,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→and→6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→residues,and the side chain consisted mainly ofα-D-Glcp-(1→attached to the O-3 of→3,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→.Functionally,QSP II-2 significantly increased skull mineralization in zebrafish with GIOP,suggesting a protective effect against osteoporosis.Mechanistic analysis revealed that QSP II-2 promoted bone formation by upregulating osteoblast-related genes(Runx2b,Runx2a,Col1a2,Alp and Sp7)while suppressing bone resorption via downregulation of osteoclast-related genes(Ctsk,Nf-κb2,Nfatc1 and Acp5).Collectively,these findings support Quasipaa spinosa skin as a viable source of anti-osteoporotic agents for functional food applications.
