Phylogenetic relationships of the Western Palearctic legless lizard genus Anguis were inferred based on a fragment of mitochondrial DNA and two nuclear protein-coding loci, C-mos and PRLR. A. cephallonica from the Peloponnese was confirmed as a valid species. It is the sister taxon to a clade comprising all other evolutionary lineages, which were shown to represent three distinct species: (1) A. fragilis sensu stricto occurring in Western and Central Europe, the north-western Balkans, with possibly isolated populations in the eastern Balkans, and presumably also in western Scandinavia and Italy; (2) A. colchica distributed from the eastern Czech Republic and the Baltic region eastward to northern Iran, presumably also in eastern Scandinavia, and the north-eastern Balkans; (3) A. graeca restricted to the southern Balkans, and partially sympatric with A. cephallonica. According to the more variable mitochondrial marker, A. graeca appears to be the sister species to A. colchica, and these taxa together form a sister clade to A. fragilis, whereas the less variable nuclear markers show A. colchica to be closer to A. fragilis. The C-mos gene has not provided substantial variation within this species complex, while the PRLR gene, which was used for the first time in phylogeographic study in a reptile, distinguished all species successfully. Intra-specific differentiation of A. colchica is discussed, and subspecific status of the Caucasian and Caspian populations is proposed. The uncovered genetic differences should be taken into account in all future biogeographical, morphological and ecological studies, as well as in conservation.

• MeSH
• buněčné jádro genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• ještěři klasifikace   genetika   MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA genetika   MeSH
• modely genetické MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• sekvenční seřazení MeSH
• zeměpis MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

BACKGROUND: Genetic architecture of a species is a result of historical changes in population size and extent of distribution related to climatic and environmental factors and contemporary processes of dispersal and gene flow. Population-size and range contractions, expansions and shifts have a substantial effect on genetic diversity and intraspecific divergence, which is further shaped by gene-flow limiting barriers. The Balkans, as one of the most important sources of European biodiversity, is a region where many temperate species persisted during the Pleistocene glaciations and where high topographic heterogeneity offers suitable conditions for local adaptations of populations. In this study, we investigated the phylogeographical patterns and demographic histories of four species of semifossorial slow-worm lizards (genus Anguis) present in the Balkan Peninsula, and tested the relationship between genetic diversity and topographic heterogeneity of the inhabited ranges. RESULTS: We inferred phylogenetic relationships, compared genetic structure and historical demography of slow worms using nucleotide sequence variation of mitochondrial DNA. Four Anguis species with mostly parapatric distributions occur in the Balkan Peninsula. They show different levels of genetic diversity. A signature of population growth was detected in all four species but with various courses in particular populations. We found a strong correlation between genetic diversity of slow-worm populations and topographic ruggedness of the ranges (mountain systems) they inhabit. Areas with more rugged terrain harbour higher genetic diversity. CONCLUSIONS: Phylogeographical pattern of the genus Anguis in the Balkans is concordant with the refugia-within-refugia model previously proposed for both several other taxa in the region and other main European Peninsulas. While slow-worm populations from the southern refugia mostly have restricted distributions and have not dispersed much from their refugial areas, populations from the extra-Mediterranean refugia in northern parts of the Balkans have colonized vast areas of eastern, central, and western Europe. Besides climatic historical events, the heterogeneous topography of the Balkans has also played an important role in shaping genetic diversity of slow worms.

• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• fylogeneze MeSH
• fylogeografie MeSH
• ještěři genetika   MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA genetika   MeSH
• molekulární evoluce MeSH
• polymorfismus genetický MeSH
• tok genů MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Balkánský poloostrov MeSH

Four species of legless anguid lizard genus Anguis have been currently recognized: A. fragilis from western and central Europe, A. colchica from eastern Europe and western Asia, A. graeca from southern Balkans, and A. cephallonica from the Peloponnese. Slow worms from the Italian Peninsula have been considered conspecific with A. fragilis, despite the fact that the region served as an important speciation center for European flora and fauna, and included some Pleistocene glacial refugia. We used mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences to investigate the systematic and phylogenetic position of the Italian slow-worm populations and morphological analyses to test for phenotypic differentiation from A. fragilis from other parts of Europe. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that Italian slow worms form a distinct deeply differentiated mtDNA clade, which presumably diverged during or shortly after the basal radiation within the genus Anguis. In addition, the specimens assigned to this clade bear distinct haplotypes in nuclear PRLR gene and show morphological differentiation from A. fragilis. Based on the differentiation in all three independent markers, we propose to assign the Italian clade species level under the name Anguis veronensisPollini, 1818. The newly recognized species is distributed throughout the Italian Peninsula to the Southern Alps and south-eastern France. We hypothesize that the Tertiary Alpine orogeny with subsequent vicariance might have played a role in differentiation of this species. The current genetic variability was later presumably shaped in multiple glacial refugia within the Italian Peninsula, with the first splitting event separating populations from the region of the Dolomite Mountains.

• MeSH
• Bayesova věta MeSH
• biologická evoluce * MeSH
• buněčné jádro genetika   MeSH
• fylogeneze * MeSH
• genetická variace MeSH
• haplotypy MeSH
• ještěři anatomie a histologie   klasifikace   genetika   MeSH
• mitochondriální DNA genetika   MeSH
• pravděpodobnostní funkce MeSH
• sekvenční analýza DNA MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Itálie MeSH

The miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (MEPCs) of the muscle cells of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris were recorded by glass microelectrodes. In a single synaptic zone, three types of MEPC were recorded: a fast singleexponential type that decayed with ? =0.9 ms, a slow single-exponential with ? = 9.2 ms and a two-exponential MEPC with ? = 1.3 and 8.5 ms, respectively. The muscle cells of earthworms contain populations of yet-unidentified ionic channels that might be different from the common nicotinic and muscarinic groups of acetylcholine receptors, since these MEPCs are not sensitive to d-tubocurarine, atropine, benzohexonium or proserine. Alternatively, besides ACh receptors, the membrane may contain receptors for another yet-unidentified excitatory transmitter.

• MeSH
• excitační postsynaptické potenciály genetika   MeSH
• iontové kanály fyziologie   MeSH
• Oligochaeta anatomie a histologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• receptory cholinergní fyziologie   MeSH
• svalové buňky fyziologie   MeSH

BACKGROUND: In models extensively used in studies of aging and extended lifespan, such as C. elegans and Drosophila, adult senescence is regulated by gene networks that are likely to be similar to ones that underlie lifespan extension during dormancy. These include the evolutionarily conserved insulin/IGF, TOR and germ line-signaling pathways. Dormancy, also known as dauer stage in the larval worm or adult diapause in the fly, is triggered by adverse environmental conditions, and results in drastically extended lifespan with negligible senescence. It is furthermore characterized by increased stress resistance and somatic maintenance, developmental arrest and reallocated energy resources. In the fly Drosophila melanogaster adult reproductive diapause is additionally manifested in arrested ovary development, improved immune defense and altered metabolism. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this adaptive lifespan extension are not well understood. RESULTS: A genome wide analysis of transcript changes in diapausing D. melanogaster revealed a differential regulation of more than 4600 genes. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analysis reveal that many of these genes are part of signaling pathways that regulate metabolism, stress responses, detoxification, immunity, protein synthesis and processes during aging. More specifically, gene readouts and detailed mapping of the pathways indicate downregulation of insulin-IGF (IIS), target of rapamycin (TOR) and MAP kinase signaling, whereas Toll-dependent immune signaling, Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways are upregulated during diapause. Furthermore, we detected transcriptional regulation of a large number of genes specifically associated with aging and longevity. CONCLUSIONS: We find that many affected genes and signal pathways are shared between dormancy, aging and lifespan extension, including IIS, TOR, JAK/STAT and JNK. A substantial fraction of the genes affected by diapause have also been found to alter their expression in response to starvation and cold exposure in D. melanogaster, and the pathways overlap those reported in GO analysis of other invertebrates in dormancy or even hibernating mammals. Our study, thus, shows that D. melanogaster is a genetically tractable model for dormancy in other organisms and effects of dormancy on aging and lifespan.

• MeSH
• dlouhověkost genetika   MeSH
• Drosophila melanogaster genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• genom hmyzu MeSH
• genová ontologie MeSH
• inzulin genetika   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese * MeSH
• rozmnožování genetika   MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• stárnutí genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• transkriptom genetika   MeSH
• zárodečné buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Momordica charantia (česky hořká okurka, anglicky bitter melon) je teplomilná popínavá rostlina přirozeně se vyskytující v tropické a subtropické Asii, Africe a Karibiku, u nás roste ve sklenících. Zralé plody připomínající okurku nebo dýni se používají jako zelenina, nezralé plody jsou za syrova velmi hořké a osvěžující. Po staletí jsou v čínské lidové medicíně drogy z celé rostliny užívány k léčbě diabetu, rakoviny a proti infekcím způsobené červy, viry a malárií. Antidiabeticky působí především triterpenoidy cucurbitanového typu, charantin, p-insulin a 9cis-11trans-13trans konjugovaná kyselina linolenová. Tyto obsahové látky obsažené v přípravcích z momordiky v klinických studiích vykazují antidiabetické účinky mechanismem zvýšení sekrece insulinu, snížení insulinové rezistence a snížení resorpce glukosy GIT. Dále působí na úpravu lipidového spektra (především 9cis-11trans-13trans konjugovaná kyselina linolenová), neuroprotektivně, antioxidačně a ovlivňují sekreci adipokinů ve smyslu omezení příznaků metabolického syndromu. Antidiabetické účinky extraktu z momordiky byly srovnávány i s aktivní léčbou několika perorálními antidiabetiky a vykazovaly srovnatelné účinky. Klinických studií je však nedostatek a některé vykazují nízkou metodologickou kvalitu, proto je zatím obtížné objektivně zhodnotit léčebný potenciál rostliny.

Momordica charantia is a thermophilic voluble plant from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. In central Europe, momordica requires greenhouse plantations. Mature fruits resemble a cucumber or a pumpkin and can be used as other similar vegetables. Crude fruits are very bitter and refreshing. For centuries the plant has been known in Chinese traditional medicine for its antidiabetic effects as well as for the treatment of cancer or infections caused by worms, viruses and malaria. Antidiabetic effects are attributed namely to cucurbitane type triterpenoids, charantin, p-insulin and 9cis-11trans-13trans-conjugated linolenic acid. These substances in momordica preparations show antidiabetic effectiveness in clinical studies by increasing insulin secretion and deceasing insulin resistance or glucose absorption from the gut. Beside this main effect the extract possesses certain neuroprotective and antioxidant effects (especially p9cis-11trans-13trans-conjugated linolenic acid) and contributes to normalize blood lipid and adipokine levels which results in the normalization of metabolic syndrome. Antidiabetic effectiveness of momordica was compared to active treatment with several oral antidiabetic drugs and proved comparable effects. However, the number of studies is limited and their methodological approach variable. Therefore, the evidence is so far inconclusive.

• MeSH
• diabetes mellitus 2. typu * farmakoterapie   MeSH
• dvojitá slepá metoda MeSH
• fertilita účinky léků   MeSH
• fytoterapie * využití   MeSH
• glykosidy terapeutické užití   MeSH
• klinické zkoušky jako téma MeSH
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• metformin MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• Momordica * MeSH
• multicentrické studie jako téma MeSH
• preklinické hodnocení léčiv MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie jako téma MeSH
• sulfonylmočovinové sloučeniny MeSH
• thiazolidindiony MeSH
• triterpeny terapeutické užití   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• krysa rodu rattus MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

• Konspekt
• Mikrobiologie
• NLK Obory
• mikrobiologie, lékařská mikrobiologie

• MeSH
• infekce přenášené vektorem MeSH
• kontrola infekčních nemocí MeSH

• Konspekt
• Patologie. Klinická medicína
• NLK Obory
• infekční lékařství
• parazitologie
• cestovní a tropická medicína
• NLK Publikační typ
• publikace WHO

• MeSH
• chování MeSH
• molekulární biologie MeSH
• nemoci nervového systému MeSH
• nervový systém MeSH
• neurochemie MeSH
• neurofyziologie MeSH
• neurony MeSH
• neurovědy MeSH
• Publikační typ
• monografie MeSH

• Konspekt
• Fyziologie člověka a srovnávací fyziologie
• NLK Obory
• neurovědy
• biologie

• MeSH
• biologie buňky MeSH
• molekulární biologie MeSH
• Publikační typ
• monografie MeSH

• Konspekt
• Biochemie. Molekulární biologie. Biofyzika
• NLK Obory
• biologie
• cytologie, klinická cytologie