To study the mechanism of plant apoptosis, a cell-free system has been developed using the extracts prepared from tobacco cells that become committed to apoptosis induced by heat shock treatment. Tobacco nuclei have displayed such characteristics of apoptosis as nucleus condensation and formation of apoptotic bodies during incubation in this system. Besides, these morphological changes are accompanied by DNA fragmentation, which is detected by
EUCOMMIA ulmoides is not only a famous medicinal plant,but also a most promising rubber-source plant in the temperate zone.All the individuals present in this species are diploid(2n=2x=34),and the objective of this work is to establish a novel triploid type of it so as to im-prove its overall biomass output or rubber content in the leaf cells by the characteristic cell en-
Immune-mediated liver injury is widely seen during hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection. Unsuccessful immune clearance of HBV results in chronic hepatitis and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV-related liver fibrosis(HBVLF),occurring as a result of HBV-induced chronic hepatitis,is a reversible,intermediate stage of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) and liver cirrhosis. Therefore,defining the pathogenesis of HBVLF is of practical significance for achieving better clinical outcomes. Recently,the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells was considered to be pivotal in the process of HBVLF. To better uncover the underlying mechanisms,in this review,we systematically retrospect the impacts of different CD4+T-cell subsets on CHB and HBVLF. We emphasize CD4+ T-cell homeostasis and the important balance between regulatory T(Treg) and T helper 17(Th17) cells. We discuss some cytokines associated with Treg and Th17 cells such as interleukin(IL)-17,IL-22,IL-21,IL-23,IL-10,IL-35 and IL-33,as well as surface molecules such as programmed cell death protein 1,cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4,T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3 and cannabinoid receptor 2 that have potential therapeutic implications for the homeostasis of CD4+ T cells in CHB and HBVLF.