Determinants of expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry-related genes in upper and lower airways.

Pathogenesis and treatment of chronic pulmonary disease

Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 receptor gene expression in upper and lower airways

The recent outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a worldwide pandemic. One week after initial symptoms develop, a subset of patients progresses to severe disease, with high mortality and limited treatment options. To design novel interventions aimed at preventing spread of the virus and reducing progression to severe disease, detailed knowledge of the cell types and regulating factors driving cellular entry is urgently needed. Here we assess the expression patterns in genes required for COVID-19 entry into cells and replication, and their regulation by genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, throughout the respiratory tract using samples collected from the upper (nasal) and lower airways (bronchi). Matched samples from the upper and lower airways show a clear increased expression of these genes in the nose compared to the bronchi and parenchyma. Cellular deconvolution indicates a clear association of these genes with the proportion of secretory epithelial cells. Smoking status was found to increase the majority of COVID-19 related genes including ACE2 and TMPRSS2 but only in the lower airways, which was associated with a significant increase in the predicted proportion of goblet cells in bronchial samples of current smokers. Both acute and second hand smoke were found to increase ACE2 expression in the bronchus. Inhaled corticosteroids decrease ACE2 expression in the lower airways. No significant effect of genetics on ACE2 expression was observed, but a strong association of DNA- methylation with ACE2 and TMPRSS2- mRNA expression was identified in the bronchus

THE BOOROOLA FECUNDITY (FECB) GENE MAPS TO SHEEP CHROMOSOME-6

The Booroola (FecB) mutation in sheep is linked to markers from a region of syntenic homology to human chromosome HSA4q, but the chromosomal location in sheep has not been determined. Analysis of linkage in Booroola half-sib pedigrees and 17 full-sib families identified genetic linkage between platelet-derived growth factor receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) and alpha(s1)-casein (CSN1S1) at 12 cM (Z(max) = 9.14) and between PDGFRA and the microsatellite markers BM143 and OarHH55 (Z(max) = 6.28 and 3.83, respectively). The microsatellite markers OarAE101 and BM143 and genes from the linkage group (PDGFRA, SPP1, and EGF) were mapped in a partial sheep x hamster somatic cell hybrid panel. Ah markers identified bands specific to somatic cell hybrids containing the sheep chromosome t1 (rob6;24) or t1q (chromosome 6). In sheep the casein genes alpha(s1) (CSN1S1), alpha(s2) (CSN1SB), beta (CSN2), and K (CSN3) are tightly linked, and CSNP has been mapped to sheep chromosome 6q23-q31. We conclude that the Booroola mutation is located within a conserved syntenic group that maps to sheep chromosome 6. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc

Mutations in an oocyte-derived growth factor gene (BMP15) cause increased ovulation rate and infertility in a dosage-sensitive manner

Multiple ovulations are uncommon in humans, cattle and many breeds of sheep. Pituitary gonadotrophins and as yet unidentified ovarian factors precisely regulate follicular development so that, normally, only one follicle is selected to ovulate. The Inverdale (FecX(I)) sheep, however, carries a naturally occurring X-linked mutation that causes increased ovulation rate and twin and triplet births in heterozygotes (FecX(I)/FecX(+); ref. 1). but primary ovarian failure in homozygotes (FecX(I)/FecX(I); ref. 2). Germcell development, formation of the follicle and the earliest stages of follicular growth are normal in FecX(I)/FecX(I) sheep, but follicular development beyond the primary stage is impaired(3,4). A second family unrelated to the Inverdale sheep also has the same X-linked phenotype(5) (Hanna, FecX(H)). Crossing FecX(I) with FecXH animals produces FecX(I)/FecX(H) infertile females phenotypically indistinguishable from FecX(I)/FecX(I) females(6). We report here that the FecX(I) locus maps to an orthologous chromosomal region syntenic to human Xp11.2-11.4, which contains BMP15, encoding bone morphogenetic protein 15 (also known as growth differentiation factor 9B (GDF9B)). Whereas BMP15 is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) superfamily and is specifically expressed in oocytes, its function is unknown(7-9). We show that independent germline point mutations exist in FecX(I) and FecX(H) carriers. These findings establish that BMP15 is essential for female fertility and that natural mutations in an ovary-derived factor can cause both increased ovulation rate and infertility phenotypes in a dosage-sensitive manner

Seagrasses, fish and fisheries

Seagrass meadows have extremely high primary and secondary productivity and support a great abundance and diversity of fish and invertebrates. A number of commercially and recreationally important species (including both fish and invertebrates) have been linked to seagrass at some stage of their life cycle, although few such species use seagrass throughout their life. Non-commercial species within seagrass may be an important food source for commercial species (forming trophic linkages). In addition, some species that do not inhabit seagrass may derive benefit from seagrass by way of exported seagrass detritus or resident/transient species that move out of seagrass (some of these topics are dealt with elsewhere in this volume: e.g. Heck and Orth, Chapter 22, Kenworthy et al., Chapter 25 and Bell et al., Chapter 26). © 2006/2007 Springer. All Rights Reserved.http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/1348907