The genome of the domesticated apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.).

We report a high-quality draft genome sequence of the domesticated apple (Malus × domestica). We show that a relatively recent (>50 million years ago) genome-wide duplication (GWD) has resulted in the transition from nine ancestral chromosomes to 17 chromosomes in the Pyreae. Traces of older GWDs partly support the monophyly of the ancestral paleohexaploidy of eudicots.

Hypertension-induced renal fibrosis and spironolactone response vary by rat strain and mineralocorticoid receptor gene expression.

Introduction: Aldosterone promotes renal fibrosis via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), thus contributing to hypertension-induced nephropathy. We investigated whether MR gene expression influences renal fibrosis and MR antagonist response in a two-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rat model.

Materials And Methods: Brown Norway (BN), Lewis, and ACI rats were randomised to spironolactone 20 mg/kg/day or water by gavage, starting four weeks after left renal artery clipping.

Identification of human cell responses to benzene and benzene metabolites.

Benzene is a common air pollutant and confirmed carcinogen, especially in reference to the hematopoietic system. In the present study we analyzed cytokine/chemokine production by, and gene expression induction in, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells upon their exposure to the benzene metabolites catechol, hydroquinone, 1,2,4-benzenetriol, and p-benzoquinone. Protein profiling showed that benzene metabolites can stimulate the production of chemokines, the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-6, and the Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-5.