Natural Cordyceps sinensis as an insect-fungal complex, which is developed after Ophiocordyceps sinensis infects a larva of Hepialidae family. Seventeen genotypes of O. sinensis have been identified in natural C. sinensis. This paper summarized the literature reports and GenBank database regarding occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs in natural C. sinensis, in Hirsutella sinensis(GC-biased Genotype #1 of O. sinensis), to infer the mating pattern of O. sinensis in the lifecycle of natural C. sinensis. The mating-type genes and transcripts of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were identified in the metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of natural C. sinensis. However, their fungal sources are unclear because of co-colonization of several genotypes of O. sinensis and multiple fungal species in natural C. sinensis. The mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs were differentially present in 237 H. sinensis strains, constituting the genetic control of the O. sinensis reproduction. Transcriptional control of the O. sinensis reproduction includes: differential transcription or silencing of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs, and the MAT1-2-1 transcript with unspliced intron I that contains 3 stop codons. Research on the H. sinensis transcriptome demonstrated differential and complementary transcriptions of the mating-type genes of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 idiomorphs in Strains L0106 and 1229, which may become mating partners to accomplish physiological heterothallism. The differential occurrence and transcription of the mating-type genes in H. sinensis are inconsistent with the self-fertilization hypothesis under homothallism or pseudohomothallism, but instead indicate the need of mating partners of the same H. sinensis species, either monoecious or dioecious, for physiological heterothallism, or heterospecific species for hybridization. Multiple GC-and AT-biased genotypes of O. sinensis were identified in the stroma, stromal fertile portion(densely covered with numerous ascocarps) and ascospores of natural C. sinensis. It needs to be further explored if the genome-independent O. sinensis genotypes could become mating partners to accomplish sexual reproduction. S. hepiali Strain FENG experienced differential transcription of the mating-type genes with a pattern complementary to that of H. sinensis Strain L0106. Additional evidence is needed to explore a hybridization possibility between S. hepiali and H. sinensis, whether they are able to break the interspecific reproductive isolation. Genotypes #13～14 of O. sinensis feature large DNA segment reciprocal substitutions and genetic material recombination between 2 heterospecific parental fungi, H. sinensis and an AB067719-type fungus, indicating a possibility of hybridization or parasexuality. Our analysis provides important information at the genetic and transcriptional levels regarding the mating-type gene expression and reproduction physiology of O. sinensis in the sexual life of natural C. sinensis and offers crucial reproductive physiology evidence, to assist in the design of the artificial cultivation of C. sinensis to supplement the increasing scarcity of natural resource.
Cordyceps/genetics* ; Genes, Mating Type, Fungal/genetics* ; Reproduction/genetics*

This study was aimed to propagate and identify the prdm1 gene-knockout mice, so as to lay the foundation for studying Blimp-1 protein. Two kinds of transgenic homozygous mice with B6.prdm1(flox/flox) and B6.Lck-Cre were feed and propagated; after successful propagating, the first passage mice were obtained; after the first passage mice were copulated once again, the genotypes were obtained as follows: B6. prdm1(wild/wild). Lck-Cre, B6. prdm1(wild/wild), B6.prdm1(flox/flox). Lck-Cre, B6.prdm1(flox/wild). Lck-Cre, B6.prdm1(flox/flox), B6. prdm1(flox/wild). The genomic DNA of second passage mice was extracted, the Cre and loxp gene fragments were amplified by PCR, then the size of Cre and loxp genomic DNA were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis. The mice with B6.prdm1(flow/flox). Lek-Cre were used as conditionally prdm1-knockout mice, B6.prdm1(flox/wild). Lck-Cre mice, B6.prdm1(flox/flox) and B6 mice were used as controls. The spleen T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes were sorted by using magnetic beads, the blimp-1 target protein was identified by Western blot. The results showed that the two transgenic homozygous mice had the ability to reproduce, and the separation ratio of second passage mice generated from propagation of their offspring cach other meet Mendelian laws, and the prdm1 gene-knockout mice also could successfully obtained. It is concluded that the application of Cre-loxp system may successfully obtain plentiful prdm1 gene-knockout mice.
Animals ; Genotype ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; genetics ; Mice, Knockout ; genetics ; Reproduction ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

Animals ; Embryonic Stem Cells ; metabolism ; Histone Deacetylase 6 ; deficiency ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Reproduction ; genetics

MYB transcription factor is one of the largest transcription families and involved in plant growth and development, stress response, product metabolism and other processes. It regulates the development of plant flowers, especially anther development, a key role in the reproduction of plant progeny. Here, we discuss the regulatory effects of MYB transcription factors on the development of anther, including tapetum development, anther dehiscence, pollen development, carbohydrates and hormone pathways. We provide a reference for the further study of the regulation mechanism and network of plant anther development.
Arabidopsis/metabolism* ; Flowers/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Humans ; Pollen/genetics* ; Reproduction ; Transcription Factors/metabolism*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship between the types of high school attended and academic achievement in medical school. We hypothesized that graduates of science or language high schools would achieve higher grades in science or humanity/social science courses during the early medical years because of their previous learning. In addition, we hypothesized that this difference would lessen throughout medical school. METHODS: The academic scores of 94 students who graduated from E medical school were analyzed. Of the 94, 79 students graduated from general high-schools, 8 were from special science high schools, and 7 were from special language high schools. The academic scores for 13 courses were analyzed: 4 from the pre-medical phase, 3 from the pre-clinical phase, and 6 from the clinical phase. Among the 13 courses, 8(Information & computing, Genetics, Biochemistry, Doctoring, Internal medicine, Reproduction medicine, Internal medicine clerkship, and Obstetrics & gynecology clerkship) were categorized as science courses, while 5 (Philosophy, Behavior science, Preventive medicine, Psychiatry, and Psychiatry clerkship) were categorized as humanity/social sciences courses. RESULTS: The graduates of the language high schools obtained significantly higher scores in Genetics(premedical) and Psychiatry clerkship(clinical). The differences in the 11 other subjects were not statistically significant. In the clinical phase, the science high school graduates had slightly higher grades in the lecture courses while the language high school graduates obtained higher scores in the clerkship courses. CONCLUSION: This study supports the hypothesis that there is no significant difference in academic achievements and the type of high school the students attended.
Biochemistry ; Genetics ; Gynecology ; Humans ; Internal Medicine ; Learning ; Obstetrics ; Preventive Medicine ; Reproduction ; Schools, Medical ; Students, Medical*

This review provides an overview of the literature on aspects of reproductive endocrinology wherein Asian men may differ from Caucasian, notably, prostatic neoplasm and the sensivity to pharmacological regimens of male contraception. Both genetic and environmental factors, such as nutrition, might be relevant. Asian men residing in Asia seem to be relatively protected from clinical prostatic neoplasm while the prevalence of preclinical prostatic neoplasm is not different. Migration to an area with a higher prevalence reduces this difference but does not undo it. With regard to prostatic neoplasm the following factors have been considered as relevant in Asian men: 1) a reduction in 5 alpha-reductase level, 2) decreased levels of androgenic ketosteroid precursors of 5 alpha-reduced androgen metabolites, 3) the decreased presence of a P53 mutation, 4) a higher CAG-repeat length of the androgen receptor, 5) a possible higher level of physical activity, 6) differences in sexual activity. Furthermore, Asian men respond to a higher degree with azoospermia in response to contraceptive steroids. Possible explanations offered for the more pronounced response to contraceptive steroids are: 1) differences in testicular structure and decreased spermatogenic potential, 2) an earlier and more marked suppression in LH secretion by exogenous androgens. The differences may be due to genetical and/or environmental factors influencing the peripheral testosterone metabolism. Dietary factors such as the higher intake of phytoestrogens in Asians might exert effects on 5 alpha-reductase activity and/or on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, thus having an impact on the biological efficacy of circulating androgens.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Environment ; Ethnic Groups ; European Continental Ancestry Group ; Humans ; Male ; Reproduction ; genetics ; physiology

Originating but free from chromosomal DNA, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (eccDNAs) are organized in circular form and have long been found in unicellular and multicellular eukaryotes. Their biogenesis and function are poorly understood as they are characterized by sequence homology with linear DNA, for which few detection methods are available. Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies have revealed that eccDNAs play crucial roles in tumor formation, evolution, and drug resistance as well as aging, genomic diversity, and other biological processes, bringing it back to the research hotspot. Several mechanisms of eccDNA formation have been proposed, including the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) and translocation-deletion-amplification models. Gynecologic tumors and disorders of embryonic and fetal development are major threats to human reproductive health. The roles of eccDNAs in these pathological processes have been partially elucidated since the first discovery of eccDNA in pig sperm and the double minutes in ovarian cancer ascites. The present review summarized the research history, biogenesis, and currently available detection and analytical methods for eccDNAs and clarified their functions in gynecologic tumors and reproduction. We also proposed the application of eccDNAs as drug targets and liquid biopsy markers for prenatal diagnosis and the early detection, prognosis, and treatment of gynecologic tumors. This review lays theoretical foundations for future investigations into the complex regulatory networks of eccDNAs in vital physiological and pathological processes.
Male ; Female ; Animals ; Humans ; Swine ; DNA, Circular/genetics* ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; Semen ; DNA ; Reproduction

OBJECTIVETo analyze the characteristics of complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) in Chinese male carriers and its influence on male fertility.

METHODSUsing the G band technique, we conducted karyotype analysis on the peripheral blood lymphocytes of 1,625 Chinese males with reproductive problems. We also searched CNKI and Wanfang database for CCR-related literature published between January 1984 and November 2013, followed by statistical analysis on the CCR characteristics and reproduction-related data of the CCR carriers.

RESULTSTwo CCR carriers were found among the 1,625 males and another 47 cases identified from the databases. Among the 49 CCR carriers, there were 17 three-way exchange cases (34.7%), 17 double two-way exchange cases (34.7%), and 15 exceptional cases (30.6%), with no statistically significant differences in the incidence of the three types (P > 0.05). Azoospermia- or oligospermia-induced infertility was found in 19 (38.8% ) of the CCR carriers. A total of 87 pregnancies were achieved in the other 30 (61.2%), among which spontaneous abortion occurred in 75.9% (66/87), dead fetus and malformed infant death in 9.2% (8/87), and phenotypically normal offspring in 14.9% (13/87). Recurrent abortion was associated frequently with breakpoints on CCR-involved chromosomes 6, 7, 8, 11, and 16, while dyszoospermia mostly with breakpoints on CCR-involved chromosomes 10 and 14. The breaking occurred more than 3 times at 1p22, 1q25, 2q31, 5p13, 5q35, 6q23, 8q13, and 20p13. Moreo- ver, the breakpoints at 2q31, 5q35, and 8q13 were particularly related to recurrent abortion, while that at 1p22 only to dyszoospermia.

CONCLUSIONCCR is extremely rare. Male CCR carriers are often identified through reproductive problems and have high risks of infertility and abnormal pregnancy and a very low rate of normal newborns. In addition, chromosomes and breakpoints involved in CCR may affect the fertility of male CCR carriers, and some particular chromosomal breakpoints may play a key role in gametogenesis.

Abortion, Habitual ; Azoospermia ; genetics ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Breakpoints ; Female ; Fertility ; genetics ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; Infertility, Male ; genetics ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligospermia ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Reproduction ; Translocation, Genetic

Dicer is an RNAse III endonuclease that is essential for the biogenesis of microRNAs and small interfering RNAs. These small RNAs transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally regulate mRNA expression through RNA interference mechanisms. Recently, the function of Dicer in female reproduction has begun to be elucidated through the use of knockout mouse models. Several latest studies have indicated that Dicer gene plays a key role in female reproductive processes such as oocyte maturation, early embryonic development and implantation and steroidgenesis. When Dicer expression is decreased in female reproductive tissues or cells, it will cause infertility. In this article, author discuss the role of Dicer gene in female reproductive tract, and advance of Dicer gene study in female reproductive events.
Animals ; Embryonic Development ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; Ovary ; metabolism ; Ovum ; metabolism ; RNA Interference ; Reproduction ; genetics ; Ribonuclease III ; genetics ; metabolism ; Uterus ; metabolism

With the proceeding of the human genome program(HGP), new genes related to male reproduction have been cloned continuously by different methods. However, investigation of the gene function is still at the rudimentary stage. In spite of the advances in the common methods of studying gene function, some special methods have yet to be developed concerning the study of the genes related to male reproduction. This paper summarizes the current methods of study on gene function relevant to male reproduction.
Animals ; Gene Targeting ; Gene Transfer, Horizontal ; Genes ; physiology ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; therapeutic use ; Reproduction ; genetics ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction