In the present study, we examined the codon usage bias between pseudorabies virus （PRV） US1 gene and the USl-like genes of 20 reference alphaherpesviruses. Comparative analysis showed noticeable disparities of the s...In the present study, we examined the codon usage bias between pseudorabies virus （PRV） US1 gene and the USl-like genes of 20 reference alphaherpesviruses. Comparative analysis showed noticeable disparities of the synonymous codon usage bias in the 21 alphaherpesviruses, indicated by codon adaptation index, effective number of codons （ENc） and GC3s value. The codon usage pattern of PRV US1 gene was phylogenetically conserved and similar to that of the USl-like genes of the genus Varicellovirus of alphaherpesvirus, with a strong bias towards the codons with C and G at the third codon position. Cluster analysis of codon usage pattern of PRV US1 gene with its reference alphaherpesviruses demonstrated that the codon usage bias of USl-like genes of 21 alphaherpesviruses had a very close relation with their gene functions. ENc-plot revealed that the genetic heterogeneity in PRV US1 gene and the 20 reference alphaherpesviruses was constrained by G＋C content, as well as the gene length. In addition, comparison of codon preferences in the US1 gene of PRV with those ofE. coli, yeast and human revealed that there were 50 codons showing distinct usage differences between PRV and yeast, 49 between PRV and human, but 48 between PRV and E. coil Although there were slightly fewer differences in codon usages between E.coli and PRV, the difference is unlikely to be statistically significant, and experimental studies are necessary to establish the most suitable expression system for PRV US1. In conclusion, these results may improve our understanding of the evolution, pathogenesis and functional studies of PRV, as well as contributing to the area of herpesvirus research or even studies with other viruses.展开更多
A novel subtype of influenza A virus 09H1N1 has rapidly spread across the world. Evolutionary analyses of this virus have revealed that 09H1N1 is a triple reassortant of segments from swine, avian and human influenza ...A novel subtype of influenza A virus 09H1N1 has rapidly spread across the world. Evolutionary analyses of this virus have revealed that 09H1N1 is a triple reassortant of segments from swine, avian and human influenza viruses. In this study, we investigated factors shaping the codon usage bias of 09H1N1 and carried out cluster analysis of 60 strains of influenza A virus from different subtypes based on their codon usage bias. We discovered that more preferentially used codons of 09H1N1 are A-ended or U-ended, and the intra-genomic codon usage bias of 09H1N1 is quite low. Base composition constraint, dinucleotide biases and translational selection are the main factors influencing the codon usage bias of 09H1N1. At the genome level, we find that the codon usage bias of 09H1N1 is similar to H1N1 (A/swine/Kansas/77778/2007H1N1), H9N2 from Asia, H1N2 from Asia and North America and H3N2 from North America. Our results provide insight for understanding the processes governing evolution, regulation of gene expression, and revealing the evolution of 09H1N1.展开更多
Apple（Malus×domestica） has been proposed as an important woody plant and the major cultivated fruit trees in temperate regions. Apple whole genome sequencing has been completed, which provided an excellent oppo...Apple（Malus×domestica） has been proposed as an important woody plant and the major cultivated fruit trees in temperate regions. Apple whole genome sequencing has been completed, which provided an excellent opportunity for genome-wide analysis of the synonymous codon usage patterns. In this study, a multivariate bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal the characteristics of synonymous codon usage and the main factors affecting codon bias in apple. The neutrality, correspondence, and correlation analyses were performed by Codon W and SPSS（Statistical Product and Service Solutions） programs, indicating that the apple genome codon usage patterns were affected by mutational pressure and selective constraint. Meanwhile, coding sequence length and the hydrophobicity of proteins could also influence the codon usage patterns. In short, codon usage pattern analysis and determination of optimal codons has laid an important theoretical basis for genetic engineering, gene prediction and molecular evolution studies in apple.展开更多
The use of synonymous codons with varying frequencies has been observed in many species,and the magnitude varies among closely related species and genes within the same genome.Mutational processes or natural selective...The use of synonymous codons with varying frequencies has been observed in many species,and the magnitude varies among closely related species and genes within the same genome.Mutational processes or natural selective pressures affect this bias.However,a systematic investigation of codon usage pattern for molluscan species and its association with the two factors hasn’t been conducted.In this study,the whole genome codon usage patterns in oyster genome is investigated using the relative synonymous codon usage(RSCU)method,and 17 putative optimal codons were identified,wherein most had either a cytosine(C)or guanine(G)residue at the third position.Results showed that codon bias was positively associated with gene expression levels and breadth.Optimal codons had different mutational bias patterns compared with nonoptimal codons.Moreover,the results show that codon bias is negatively associated with nucleotide diversity.In the oyster genome,the fourfold degenerate codons are affected by different selective pressures,which can be regarded as an evidence that natural selection shapes codon usage patterns.This research will help to understand how natural selection and mutation bias affect codon usage in Mollusca genomes.展开更多
In this study, a comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was performed in Aeropyrum pernix K1 and two other phylogenetically related Crenarchaeota microorganisms （i.e., Pyrobaculum aerophilum str. IM2 and Sulfol...In this study, a comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was performed in Aeropyrum pernix K1 and two other phylogenetically related Crenarchaeota microorganisms （i.e., Pyrobaculum aerophilum str. IM2 and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius DSM 639）. The results indicated that the synonymous codon usage in A. pernix K1 was less biased, which was highly correlated with the GC3s value. The codon usage patterns were phylogenetically conserved among these Crenarchaeota microorganisms. Comparatively, it is the species function rather than the gene function that determines their gene codon usage patterns. A. pernix K1, P. aerophilum str. IM2, and S. acidocaldarius DSM 639 live in differently extreme conditions. It is presumed that the hving environment played an important role in determining the codon usage pattern of these microorganisms. Besides, there was no strain-specific codon usage among these microorganisms. The extent of codon bias in A. pernix K1 and S. acidocaldarius DSM 639 were highly correlated with the gene expression level, but no such association was detected in P. aerophilum str. IM2 genomes.展开更多
A comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was conducted in Methanosarcina mazei str. Goel and two related Euryarchaeota microorganisms （Picrophilus torridus str. DSM 9790 and Natronomonas pharaonis str. DSM 2160...A comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was conducted in Methanosarcina mazei str. Goel and two related Euryarchaeota microorganisms （Picrophilus torridus str. DSM 9790 and Natronomonas pharaonis str. DSM 2160）. Results revealed that synonymous codon usage in Methanosarcina mazei str. Goel was less biased, which was highly correlated with the GC3S value. And the codon usage patterns were phylogenetically conserved among those Euryarchaeota microorganisms. By employing a hierarchical clustering analysis, it can be seen that it is more the species than the gene function that determines their gene codon usage pattems. Considering that those microorganisms live in different environments where the pH conditions vary quite a lot, it can be presumed that their living environments, especially the pH conditions, play an important role in determining those microorganisms＇ codon usage pattems.展开更多
The flower-meristem-identity gene APETALA2(AP2), one of class-A genes, is involved in the establishment of the floral meristem and the forming of sepals and petals. Codon usage bias(CUB) identifies differences among s...The flower-meristem-identity gene APETALA2(AP2), one of class-A genes, is involved in the establishment of the floral meristem and the forming of sepals and petals. Codon usage bias(CUB) identifies differences among species, meanwhile dynamic analysis of base composition can identify the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary relationships of a specific gene. In this study, eight coding sequences(CDS) of AP2 gene were selected from different plant species using the Gen Bank database. Their nucleotide composition(GC content), genetic index, relative synonymous codon usage(RSCU) and relative codon usage bias(RCUB) were calculated with R Software to compare codon bias and base composition dynamics of AP2 gene codon usage patterns in different plant species. The results showed that the usage of AP2 gene codons from different plant species were influened by GC bias, especially GC3 s. Overall, base composition analysis indicated that the usage frequency of codon AT in the gene coding sequence was higher than GC among AP2 gene CDS from different plant species. Furthermore, most AP2 gene CDSs ended with AT; AGA, GCU and UGU had relatively high RSCU values as the most dominant codon; the usage characteristic of the AP2 gene codon in Malus domestica was similar to that of Vitis vinifera; Paeonia lactiflora was similar to Paeonia suffruticosa and Solanum lycopersicum was similar to Petunia×hybrida. There was a moderate preference in the usage of AP2 gene codon among different plant species from relatively low frequency of optimal codon(Fop) values and high effective number of codons(ENC) value. This study has revealed the usage characteristics of the AP2 gene codon from the comparision of AP2 gene codon preference and base dynamics in different plant species and provide a platform for further study towards transgenic engineering and codon optimization.展开更多
The relationship between the codon usage bias, gene expression level and the AUG context(from -20 to +6 positions relative to the initiator AUG codon) was examined in 541unigene sequences of rice. A significant correl...The relationship between the codon usage bias, gene expression level and the AUG context(from -20 to +6 positions relative to the initiator AUG codon) was examined in 541unigene sequences of rice. A significant correlation for CAI values (codon adaptationindex) was observed at five nucleotide positions (-19, -18, -9, -4, +5), eight (-19, -18,-14, -9, -6, -4, -1, +5) for CPP (codon preference parameter), and seven (-18, -16, -15,-9, -7, -1, +6) for mRNA abundance in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codonrespectively, but a significantly positive correlation for both CAI and CPP at twopositions (-4 and +5), indicating that both those positions are evolutionally under thenatural selection constraint at the translational level. By site-directed mutagenesis atseven specific positions (-18, -16, -15, -9, -7, -1 and +6) for allergenic protein thathad the highest mRNA abundance in this study, its expression level decreased dramatically63.3 and 72.5% respectively, indicating the importance of those 7 positions for geneexpression. A highly positive correlation (r=0.625, P<0.01) between AUGCAI and GCcontent in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codon showed a more effectivehigher GC content on translation initiation efficiency. The strong preference for G orC at those 8 positions (-6, -5, -3, -2, -1, +4, +5 and +6) in the AUG context suggestedthat an important factor in modulation of the translation efficiency, as well assynonymous codon usage bias, particularly in highly expressed genes.展开更多
Sweet potatoes are significant cash crops,however,their yield and quality are greatly compromised by viral diseases.In this study,the complete genomic sequences of two Sweet Potato Virus 2(SPV2)isolates from infected ...Sweet potatoes are significant cash crops,however,their yield and quality are greatly compromised by viral diseases.In this study,the complete genomic sequences of two Sweet Potato Virus 2(SPV2)isolates from infected sweet potato leaves in the Shandong(designated as SPV2-SDYT,GenBank No.PQ855660.1)and Jiangsu(designated as SPV2-JSXZ,GenBank No.PQ855661.1)provinces in China were obtained using 5′RACE and RT-PCR amplification.Consistency,phylogeny,codon usage bias,recombination,and selection pressure analyses were conducted using the SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ genome sequences.The complete genome sequences of SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ were 10561 nucleotides(nt)in length,with respective nucleotide and amino acid identities of 99.25%and 99.12%,respectively.Both isolates were closely related to the SPV2 isolate from China(SPV2-LN).In both SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ,the identity of the P1 protein was the highest,whereas that of the P3 protein was the lowest.There were 26 codons with relatively synonymous codon usage(RSCU)values greater than 1 in SPV2-SDYT and 27 codons with RSCU values greater than 1 in SPV2-JSXZ.High-frequency codons in their genomes were predominantly found to end with A/U.Recombination analysis revealed no major recombination sites in either SPV2-SDYT or SPV2-JSXZ.Further selection pressure analysis showed that the non-synonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate(dN/dS)value of all 10 SPV2 proteins was less than 1.This is the first report on the evolutionary relationships of the 17 known SPV2 isolates.Our findings lay the molecular groundwork for preventing and controlling SPV2 infection in root-tuber crops.These findings also contribute to our understanding of the spread and evolution of SPV2,its pathogenic mechanisms,and the development of antiviral strategies against it.展开更多
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mamm...Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mammals cannot naturally produce w-3 PUFAs, due to the lack of the co-3 fatty acid desaturase gene （fat-1 gene）. Previously, fat-1 gene has been cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans and transferred into mice, pigs and sheep, but not yet into beef cattle. We attempt to transfer it into beef cattle. The object of this paper is to edit the fat-1 gene from C. elegans to express more efficiently in beef cattle and verify its biological function in mice model. As a result, the fat-1 gene from C. elegans was modified by synonymous codon usage and named it Bfat-l. We have demonstrated that degree of codon bias of Brat-1 gene was in- creased in beef cattle. Moreover, Bfat-1 gene could be transiently expressed in mouse liver and muscle, the w-6/co-3 PUFAs ratio of 18 and 20 carbon was decreased significantly in liver （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of 20 carbon decreased significantly in muscle 24 and 72 h after injection （P〈0.05）. This confirms that the Bfat-1 gene modification was successful, and the protein encoded was able to catalyze the conversion of w-6 PUFAs to e0-3 PUFAs.展开更多
DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulation mechanism, which is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases. In this study, eight DNA methyltransferase genes were identified in grape genome to analyze the selective ...DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulation mechanism, which is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases. In this study, eight DNA methyltransferase genes were identified in grape genome to analyze the selective pressure, gene expression and codon usage bias. The results showed grape DNA methyltransferase MET subfamily underwent relatively strong purifying selection during evolution, while chromomethylase CMT subfamily underwent positive selection during evolution. Under different abiotic(heat, drought or cold) stresses, the expression level of many grape DNA methyltransferase genes changed significantly. The expression level of these genes might be related with cis-regulatory elements of their promoters. The results of codon usage bias analysis showed that synonymous codon bias existed in grape DNA methyltransferase gene family, which might be affected by mutation pressure. These results laid a solid foundation for in-depth study of DNA methyltransferases in grape.展开更多
In most eukaryotes,oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS)is the main energy production process and it involves both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.The close interaction between the two genomes is critical for the coordi...In most eukaryotes,oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS)is the main energy production process and it involves both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.The close interaction between the two genomes is critical for the coordinated function of the OXPHOS process.Some bivalves show doubly uniparental inheritance(DUI)of mitochondria,where two highly divergent mitochondrial genomes,one inherited through eggs(F-type)and the other through sperm(M-type),coexist in the same individual.However,it remains a puzzle how nuclear OXPHOS genes coordinate with two divergent mitochondrial genomes in DUI species.In this study,we compared transcription,polymorphism,and synonymous codon usage in the mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes of the DUI species Ruditapes philippinarum using sex-and tissue-specific transcriptomes.Mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes showed different transcription profiles.Strong co-transcription signal was observed within mitochondrial(separate for F-and M-type)and within nuclear OXPHOS genes but the signal was weak or absent between mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes,suggesting that the coordination between mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS subunits is not achieved transcriptionally.McDonald-Kreitman and frequency-spectrum based tests indicated that M-type OXPHOS genes deviated significantly from neutrality,and that F-type and M-type OXPHOS genes undergo different selection patterns.Codon usage analysis revealed that mutation bias and translational selection were the major factors affecting the codon usage bias in different OXPHOS genes,nevertheless,translational selection in mitochondrial OXPHOS genes appears to be less efficient than nuclear OXPHOS genes.Therefore,we speculate that the coordination between OXPHOS genes may involve post-transcriptional/translational regulation.展开更多
Since the birth of molecular evolutionary analysis, primates have been a central focus of study and mitochondrial DNA is well suited to these endeavors because of its unique features. Surprisingly, to date no comprehe...Since the birth of molecular evolutionary analysis, primates have been a central focus of study and mitochondrial DNA is well suited to these endeavors because of its unique features. Surprisingly, to date no comprehensive evaluation of the nucleotide substitution patterns has been conducted on the mitochondrial genome of primates. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary patterns and evaluated selection and recombination in the mitochondrial genomes of 44 Primates species downloaded from Genl3ank. The results revealed that a strong rate heterogeneity occurred among sites and genes in all comparisons. Likewise, an obvious decline in primate nucleotide diversity was noted in the subunit rRNAs and tRNAs as compared to the protein-coding genes. Within 13 protein-coding genes, the pattern of nonsynonymous divergence was similar to that of overall nucleotide divergence, while synonymous changes differed only for individual genes, indicating that the rate heterogeneity may result from the rate of change at nonsynonymous sites. Codon usage analysis revealed that there was intermediate codon usage bias in primate protein-coding genes, and supported the idea that GC mutation pressure might determine codon usage and that positive selection is not the driving force for the codon usage bias. Neutrality tests using site-specific positive selection from a Bayesian framework indicated no sites were under positive selection for any gene, consistent with near neutrality. Recombination tests based on the pairwise homoplasy test statistic supported complete linkage even for much older divergent primate species. Thus, with the exception of rate heterogeneity among mitochondrial genes, evaluating the validity assumed complete linkage and selective neutrality in primates prior to phylogenetic or phylogeographic analysis seems unnecessary.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China.Methods This study included individuals ...Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China.Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days–85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA.Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0–1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6–10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains.Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.展开更多
Proper phylogenetic reconstruction is crucial for understanding many evolutionary phenomena. In spite of the great success of molecular phylogenetics, DNA signal still may be limited by some intrinsic constraints such...Proper phylogenetic reconstruction is crucial for understanding many evolutionary phenomena. In spite of the great success of molecular phylogenetics, DNA signal still may be limited by some intrinsic constraints such as codon usage bias. The phylogenetic relationships between the five species subgroups of the Drosophila saltans group are a good example of conflicting molecular phylogenies drawn from different genes due to an ancestral substitutional shift. Here, forty morphological characters were analyzed using the same set of species used in previous molecular studies, with at least a single representative of each subgroup. The cladistic analysis was in disagreement with most of the previous hypotheses in placing the sturtevanti subgroup as an early branch, whereas the four remaining subgroups form a well supported clade that can be further subdivided into two sister clades： one containing the cordata and the elliptica subgroups, whereas the second includes the parasaltans and the saltans subgroups. The molecular evolution （codon usage bias） of the saltans group were revised in light of the present finding. The analysis highlights the important role of morphology in phylogeny reconstruction and in understanding molecular evolutionary phenomena.展开更多
基金supported by grants from the Scientific Research Foundation for the Ph.D.,Guangzhou Medical University(2011C20)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31200120)+1 种基金Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(B2012165)the Guangzhou city-level key disciplines and specialties of Immunology(B127007)
文摘In the present study, we examined the codon usage bias between pseudorabies virus （PRV） US1 gene and the USl-like genes of 20 reference alphaherpesviruses. Comparative analysis showed noticeable disparities of the synonymous codon usage bias in the 21 alphaherpesviruses, indicated by codon adaptation index, effective number of codons （ENc） and GC3s value. The codon usage pattern of PRV US1 gene was phylogenetically conserved and similar to that of the USl-like genes of the genus Varicellovirus of alphaherpesvirus, with a strong bias towards the codons with C and G at the third codon position. Cluster analysis of codon usage pattern of PRV US1 gene with its reference alphaherpesviruses demonstrated that the codon usage bias of USl-like genes of 21 alphaherpesviruses had a very close relation with their gene functions. ENc-plot revealed that the genetic heterogeneity in PRV US1 gene and the 20 reference alphaherpesviruses was constrained by G＋C content, as well as the gene length. In addition, comparison of codon preferences in the US1 gene of PRV with those ofE. coli, yeast and human revealed that there were 50 codons showing distinct usage differences between PRV and yeast, 49 between PRV and human, but 48 between PRV and E. coil Although there were slightly fewer differences in codon usages between E.coli and PRV, the difference is unlikely to be statistically significant, and experimental studies are necessary to establish the most suitable expression system for PRV US1. In conclusion, these results may improve our understanding of the evolution, pathogenesis and functional studies of PRV, as well as contributing to the area of herpesvirus research or even studies with other viruses.
文摘A novel subtype of influenza A virus 09H1N1 has rapidly spread across the world. Evolutionary analyses of this virus have revealed that 09H1N1 is a triple reassortant of segments from swine, avian and human influenza viruses. In this study, we investigated factors shaping the codon usage bias of 09H1N1 and carried out cluster analysis of 60 strains of influenza A virus from different subtypes based on their codon usage bias. We discovered that more preferentially used codons of 09H1N1 are A-ended or U-ended, and the intra-genomic codon usage bias of 09H1N1 is quite low. Base composition constraint, dinucleotide biases and translational selection are the main factors influencing the codon usage bias of 09H1N1. At the genome level, we find that the codon usage bias of 09H1N1 is similar to H1N1 (A/swine/Kansas/77778/2007H1N1), H9N2 from Asia, H1N2 from Asia and North America and H3N2 from North America. Our results provide insight for understanding the processes governing evolution, regulation of gene expression, and revealing the evolution of 09H1N1.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31401822)
文摘Apple（Malus×domestica） has been proposed as an important woody plant and the major cultivated fruit trees in temperate regions. Apple whole genome sequencing has been completed, which provided an excellent opportunity for genome-wide analysis of the synonymous codon usage patterns. In this study, a multivariate bioinformatics analysis was performed to reveal the characteristics of synonymous codon usage and the main factors affecting codon bias in apple. The neutrality, correspondence, and correlation analyses were performed by Codon W and SPSS（Statistical Product and Service Solutions） programs, indicating that the apple genome codon usage patterns were affected by mutational pressure and selective constraint. Meanwhile, coding sequence length and the hydrophobicity of proteins could also influence the codon usage patterns. In short, codon usage pattern analysis and determination of optimal codons has laid an important theoretical basis for genetic engineering, gene prediction and molecular evolution studies in apple.
基金This research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.11701546).
文摘The use of synonymous codons with varying frequencies has been observed in many species,and the magnitude varies among closely related species and genes within the same genome.Mutational processes or natural selective pressures affect this bias.However,a systematic investigation of codon usage pattern for molluscan species and its association with the two factors hasn’t been conducted.In this study,the whole genome codon usage patterns in oyster genome is investigated using the relative synonymous codon usage(RSCU)method,and 17 putative optimal codons were identified,wherein most had either a cytosine(C)or guanine(G)residue at the third position.Results showed that codon bias was positively associated with gene expression levels and breadth.Optimal codons had different mutational bias patterns compared with nonoptimal codons.Moreover,the results show that codon bias is negatively associated with nucleotide diversity.In the oyster genome,the fourfold degenerate codons are affected by different selective pressures,which can be regarded as an evidence that natural selection shapes codon usage patterns.This research will help to understand how natural selection and mutation bias affect codon usage in Mollusca genomes.
基金The work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 60121101).
文摘In this study, a comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was performed in Aeropyrum pernix K1 and two other phylogenetically related Crenarchaeota microorganisms （i.e., Pyrobaculum aerophilum str. IM2 and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius DSM 639）. The results indicated that the synonymous codon usage in A. pernix K1 was less biased, which was highly correlated with the GC3s value. The codon usage patterns were phylogenetically conserved among these Crenarchaeota microorganisms. Comparatively, it is the species function rather than the gene function that determines their gene codon usage patterns. A. pernix K1, P. aerophilum str. IM2, and S. acidocaldarius DSM 639 live in differently extreme conditions. It is presumed that the hving environment played an important role in determining the codon usage pattern of these microorganisms. Besides, there was no strain-specific codon usage among these microorganisms. The extent of codon bias in A. pernix K1 and S. acidocaldarius DSM 639 were highly correlated with the gene expression level, but no such association was detected in P. aerophilum str. IM2 genomes.
文摘A comparative analysis of the codon usage bias was conducted in Methanosarcina mazei str. Goel and two related Euryarchaeota microorganisms （Picrophilus torridus str. DSM 9790 and Natronomonas pharaonis str. DSM 2160）. Results revealed that synonymous codon usage in Methanosarcina mazei str. Goel was less biased, which was highly correlated with the GC3S value. And the codon usage patterns were phylogenetically conserved among those Euryarchaeota microorganisms. By employing a hierarchical clustering analysis, it can be seen that it is more the species than the gene function that determines their gene codon usage pattems. Considering that those microorganisms live in different environments where the pH conditions vary quite a lot, it can be presumed that their living environments, especially the pH conditions, play an important role in determining those microorganisms＇ codon usage pattems.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31372097)the Agricultural Science&Technology Independent Innovation Fund of Jiangsu Province,China(CX(13)2014)
文摘The flower-meristem-identity gene APETALA2(AP2), one of class-A genes, is involved in the establishment of the floral meristem and the forming of sepals and petals. Codon usage bias(CUB) identifies differences among species, meanwhile dynamic analysis of base composition can identify the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary relationships of a specific gene. In this study, eight coding sequences(CDS) of AP2 gene were selected from different plant species using the Gen Bank database. Their nucleotide composition(GC content), genetic index, relative synonymous codon usage(RSCU) and relative codon usage bias(RCUB) were calculated with R Software to compare codon bias and base composition dynamics of AP2 gene codon usage patterns in different plant species. The results showed that the usage of AP2 gene codons from different plant species were influened by GC bias, especially GC3 s. Overall, base composition analysis indicated that the usage frequency of codon AT in the gene coding sequence was higher than GC among AP2 gene CDS from different plant species. Furthermore, most AP2 gene CDSs ended with AT; AGA, GCU and UGU had relatively high RSCU values as the most dominant codon; the usage characteristic of the AP2 gene codon in Malus domestica was similar to that of Vitis vinifera; Paeonia lactiflora was similar to Paeonia suffruticosa and Solanum lycopersicum was similar to Petunia×hybrida. There was a moderate preference in the usage of AP2 gene codon among different plant species from relatively low frequency of optimal codon(Fop) values and high effective number of codons(ENC) value. This study has revealed the usage characteristics of the AP2 gene codon from the comparision of AP2 gene codon preference and base dynamics in different plant species and provide a platform for further study towards transgenic engineering and codon optimization.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(39870421)the Key Research Project of Zhejiang Province,China(2003C22007).
文摘The relationship between the codon usage bias, gene expression level and the AUG context(from -20 to +6 positions relative to the initiator AUG codon) was examined in 541unigene sequences of rice. A significant correlation for CAI values (codon adaptationindex) was observed at five nucleotide positions (-19, -18, -9, -4, +5), eight (-19, -18,-14, -9, -6, -4, -1, +5) for CPP (codon preference parameter), and seven (-18, -16, -15,-9, -7, -1, +6) for mRNA abundance in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codonrespectively, but a significantly positive correlation for both CAI and CPP at twopositions (-4 and +5), indicating that both those positions are evolutionally under thenatural selection constraint at the translational level. By site-directed mutagenesis atseven specific positions (-18, -16, -15, -9, -7, -1 and +6) for allergenic protein thathad the highest mRNA abundance in this study, its expression level decreased dramatically63.3 and 72.5% respectively, indicating the importance of those 7 positions for geneexpression. A highly positive correlation (r=0.625, P<0.01) between AUGCAI and GCcontent in the flanking sequence of the initiator AUG codon showed a more effectivehigher GC content on translation initiation efficiency. The strong preference for G orC at those 8 positions (-6, -5, -3, -2, -1, +4, +5 and +6) in the AUG context suggestedthat an important factor in modulation of the translation efficiency, as well assynonymous codon usage bias, particularly in highly expressed genes.
基金Funding Statement:This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32100132)Shandong Province Natural Sciences Foundation of China(ZR2021QC008)+1 种基金Youth Innovation Team Program'in College of Shandong Province of China(2022KJ119)supported by Young Talent of Lifting Engineering for Science and Technology in Shandong,China(SDAST2024QT085).
文摘Sweet potatoes are significant cash crops,however,their yield and quality are greatly compromised by viral diseases.In this study,the complete genomic sequences of two Sweet Potato Virus 2(SPV2)isolates from infected sweet potato leaves in the Shandong(designated as SPV2-SDYT,GenBank No.PQ855660.1)and Jiangsu(designated as SPV2-JSXZ,GenBank No.PQ855661.1)provinces in China were obtained using 5′RACE and RT-PCR amplification.Consistency,phylogeny,codon usage bias,recombination,and selection pressure analyses were conducted using the SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ genome sequences.The complete genome sequences of SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ were 10561 nucleotides(nt)in length,with respective nucleotide and amino acid identities of 99.25%and 99.12%,respectively.Both isolates were closely related to the SPV2 isolate from China(SPV2-LN).In both SPV2-SDYT and SPV2-JSXZ,the identity of the P1 protein was the highest,whereas that of the P3 protein was the lowest.There were 26 codons with relatively synonymous codon usage(RSCU)values greater than 1 in SPV2-SDYT and 27 codons with RSCU values greater than 1 in SPV2-JSXZ.High-frequency codons in their genomes were predominantly found to end with A/U.Recombination analysis revealed no major recombination sites in either SPV2-SDYT or SPV2-JSXZ.Further selection pressure analysis showed that the non-synonymous substitution rate/synonymous substitution rate(dN/dS)value of all 10 SPV2 proteins was less than 1.This is the first report on the evolutionary relationships of the 17 known SPV2 isolates.Our findings lay the molecular groundwork for preventing and controlling SPV2 infection in root-tuber crops.These findings also contribute to our understanding of the spread and evolution of SPV2,its pathogenic mechanisms,and the development of antiviral strategies against it.
基金funded by the National Key Project for Production of Transgenic Breeding Plan, China (2013ZX08007002, 2014ZX08007-002)the Earmarked Fund for ModernAgro-Industry Technology Research System, China (CARS38)+1 种基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP-IAS03)the Fundamental Research Budget Increment Project (2013ZL031) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
文摘Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids （w-3 PUFAs） are essential components required for normal cellular function and have been shown to have important therapeutic and nutritional benefits in humans. But humans or mammals cannot naturally produce w-3 PUFAs, due to the lack of the co-3 fatty acid desaturase gene （fat-1 gene）. Previously, fat-1 gene has been cloned from Caenorhabditis elegans and transferred into mice, pigs and sheep, but not yet into beef cattle. We attempt to transfer it into beef cattle. The object of this paper is to edit the fat-1 gene from C. elegans to express more efficiently in beef cattle and verify its biological function in mice model. As a result, the fat-1 gene from C. elegans was modified by synonymous codon usage and named it Bfat-l. We have demonstrated that degree of codon bias of Brat-1 gene was in- creased in beef cattle. Moreover, Bfat-1 gene could be transiently expressed in mouse liver and muscle, the w-6/co-3 PUFAs ratio of 18 and 20 carbon was decreased significantly in liver （P〈0.05）, and the ratio of 20 carbon decreased significantly in muscle 24 and 72 h after injection （P〈0.05）. This confirms that the Bfat-1 gene modification was successful, and the protein encoded was able to catalyze the conversion of w-6 PUFAs to e0-3 PUFAs.
基金Supported by Major Agricultural Application Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Province"Research and Application of Precision Control of Maturation and Product Innovation of Featured Brewing Grape"Major Agricultural Application Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Province"Development of Landmark Wines and Integrated Application of Key Technologies in Shandong Province"Agricultural Scientific and Technological Innovation Project of Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CXGC2016D01)
文摘DNA methylation is an important epigenetic regulation mechanism, which is catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases. In this study, eight DNA methyltransferase genes were identified in grape genome to analyze the selective pressure, gene expression and codon usage bias. The results showed grape DNA methyltransferase MET subfamily underwent relatively strong purifying selection during evolution, while chromomethylase CMT subfamily underwent positive selection during evolution. Under different abiotic(heat, drought or cold) stresses, the expression level of many grape DNA methyltransferase genes changed significantly. The expression level of these genes might be related with cis-regulatory elements of their promoters. The results of codon usage bias analysis showed that synonymous codon bias existed in grape DNA methyltransferase gene family, which might be affected by mutation pressure. These results laid a solid foundation for in-depth study of DNA methyltransferases in grape.
基金supported by the China Scholarship Council,Italian Ministry of Education University and Research(MIUR)FIR2013 Programme(RBFR13T97A to F.G.)MIUR SIR Programme(RBSI14G0P5 to L.M.)Canziani Bequest to F.G.,and“Ricerca Fondamentale Orientata”(RFO)from the University of Bologna to F.G.and L.M.
文摘In most eukaryotes,oxidative phosphorylation(OXPHOS)is the main energy production process and it involves both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.The close interaction between the two genomes is critical for the coordinated function of the OXPHOS process.Some bivalves show doubly uniparental inheritance(DUI)of mitochondria,where two highly divergent mitochondrial genomes,one inherited through eggs(F-type)and the other through sperm(M-type),coexist in the same individual.However,it remains a puzzle how nuclear OXPHOS genes coordinate with two divergent mitochondrial genomes in DUI species.In this study,we compared transcription,polymorphism,and synonymous codon usage in the mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes of the DUI species Ruditapes philippinarum using sex-and tissue-specific transcriptomes.Mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes showed different transcription profiles.Strong co-transcription signal was observed within mitochondrial(separate for F-and M-type)and within nuclear OXPHOS genes but the signal was weak or absent between mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS genes,suggesting that the coordination between mitochondrial and nuclear OXPHOS subunits is not achieved transcriptionally.McDonald-Kreitman and frequency-spectrum based tests indicated that M-type OXPHOS genes deviated significantly from neutrality,and that F-type and M-type OXPHOS genes undergo different selection patterns.Codon usage analysis revealed that mutation bias and translational selection were the major factors affecting the codon usage bias in different OXPHOS genes,nevertheless,translational selection in mitochondrial OXPHOS genes appears to be less efficient than nuclear OXPHOS genes.Therefore,we speculate that the coordination between OXPHOS genes may involve post-transcriptional/translational regulation.
基金This project was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program:2007CB411600)the Natural Science Foundation of China (3063001630570292)
文摘Since the birth of molecular evolutionary analysis, primates have been a central focus of study and mitochondrial DNA is well suited to these endeavors because of its unique features. Surprisingly, to date no comprehensive evaluation of the nucleotide substitution patterns has been conducted on the mitochondrial genome of primates. Here, we analyzed the evolutionary patterns and evaluated selection and recombination in the mitochondrial genomes of 44 Primates species downloaded from Genl3ank. The results revealed that a strong rate heterogeneity occurred among sites and genes in all comparisons. Likewise, an obvious decline in primate nucleotide diversity was noted in the subunit rRNAs and tRNAs as compared to the protein-coding genes. Within 13 protein-coding genes, the pattern of nonsynonymous divergence was similar to that of overall nucleotide divergence, while synonymous changes differed only for individual genes, indicating that the rate heterogeneity may result from the rate of change at nonsynonymous sites. Codon usage analysis revealed that there was intermediate codon usage bias in primate protein-coding genes, and supported the idea that GC mutation pressure might determine codon usage and that positive selection is not the driving force for the codon usage bias. Neutrality tests using site-specific positive selection from a Bayesian framework indicated no sites were under positive selection for any gene, consistent with near neutrality. Recombination tests based on the pairwise homoplasy test statistic supported complete linkage even for much older divergent primate species. Thus, with the exception of rate heterogeneity among mitochondrial genes, evaluating the validity assumed complete linkage and selective neutrality in primates prior to phylogenetic or phylogeographic analysis seems unnecessary.
基金funded by the grant National Key R&D Program of China(2017ZX10103011-004 and 2018YFC1603804)the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong Province(2018B020207013 and 2019B030316013).
文摘Objective This study aimed to understand the epidemic status and phylogenetic relationships of rotavirus group A(RVA)in the Pearl River Delta region of Guangdong Province,China.Methods This study included individuals aged 28 days–85 years.A total of 706 stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis collected between January 2019 and January 2020 were analyzed for 17 causative pathogens,including RVA,using a Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel,followed by genotyping,virus isolation,and complete sequencing to assess the genetic diversity of RVA.Results The overall RVA infection rate was 14.59%(103/706),with an irregular epidemiological pattern.The proportion of co-infection with RVA and other pathogens was 39.81%(41/103).Acute gastroenteritis is highly prevalent in young children aged 0–1 year,and RVA is the key pathogen circulating in patients 6–10 months of age with diarrhea.G9P[8](58.25%,60/103)was found to be the predominant genotype in the RVA strains,and the 41 RVA-positive strains that were successfully sequenced belonged to three different RVA genotypes in the phylogenetic analysis.Recombination analysis showed that gene reassortment events,selection pressure,codon usage bias,gene polymorphism,and post-translational modifications(PTMs)occurred in the G9P[8]and G3P[8]strains.Conclusion This study provides molecular evidence of RVA prevalence in the Pearl River Delta region of China,further enriching the existing information on its genetics and evolutionary characteristics and suggesting the emergence of genetic diversity.Strengthening the surveillance of genotypic changes and gene reassortment in RVA strains is essential for further research and a better understanding of strain variations for further vaccine development.
基金funded by the Prix Jeune Chercheur of the Fondation Bettencourt-Schueller
文摘Proper phylogenetic reconstruction is crucial for understanding many evolutionary phenomena. In spite of the great success of molecular phylogenetics, DNA signal still may be limited by some intrinsic constraints such as codon usage bias. The phylogenetic relationships between the five species subgroups of the Drosophila saltans group are a good example of conflicting molecular phylogenies drawn from different genes due to an ancestral substitutional shift. Here, forty morphological characters were analyzed using the same set of species used in previous molecular studies, with at least a single representative of each subgroup. The cladistic analysis was in disagreement with most of the previous hypotheses in placing the sturtevanti subgroup as an early branch, whereas the four remaining subgroups form a well supported clade that can be further subdivided into two sister clades： one containing the cordata and the elliptica subgroups, whereas the second includes the parasaltans and the saltans subgroups. The molecular evolution （codon usage bias） of the saltans group were revised in light of the present finding. The analysis highlights the important role of morphology in phylogeny reconstruction and in understanding molecular evolutionary phenomena.
