ABSTRACT Blue eggshells have become economically valuable due to their higher popularity among consumers when compared with eggs of other colors, particularly in East Asia. However, eggshell colors vary widely and gradually become lighter with the increase of age. Therefore, to determine the association between DNA methylation and gene expression on the molecular mechanism of eggshell color variation in Xuefeng Black-bone chickens, we collected the shell glands from chickens that produced dark blue eggshells and light blue eggshells, respectively, and performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) on them. The results showed that in the context of CG, DNA methylation levels were the highest compared to CHG and CHH contexts, and were negatively correlated with gene expression levels in three different gene regions in all samples, while there was no significant correlation in the contexts of CHG and CHH. Furthermore, when disregarding the location of coding genes, a total of 55 genes will show differences not only in expression levels but also in DNA methylation levels, and among the majority of differential expression genes (n=50), the DNA methylation levels in the gene body region were the highest. GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed in these genes and the results showed that the genes NR1H4 and HEPHL1, ABCA4 and ABCA12, and the pathways, cell adhesion molecular, ABC transporters, ECM-receptor interaction, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, may affect the color variation of the blue eggshell of Xuefeng Black-bone chickens.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antibacterial activities of blowfly larval induced by natural infection. Methods: The sterile larvae were mixed in a test tube containing a bacterial Escherichia coli (E coli) which was suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and incubated at 25 ° C for given periods, with sterilized PBS as the control group. Then the haemolymph was collected and tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa), respectively. Diameter ring was recorded to indicate the antibacterial activities. Results: Infected larvae had better antibacterial capacities than sterile larvae. Antibacterial activities peak appeared at 24 hours and disappeared after 48 hours. The induced haemolymph from the larva possesses stronger antibacterial activity against S aureus than P aeruginosa. Conclusion: The sterile larva of blowfly, Lucilia sericata, antibacterial activities could be induced by a natural infection model.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Investigar las actividades antibacterianas de la larva de la mosca azul inducida por infección natural. Métodos: Larvas estériles se mezclaron en un tubo de ensayo que contenía un cultivo bacteriano de Escherichia coli (E coli), suspendido en solución salina taponada con fosfato (PBS), e incubado a 25 ° C por períodos dados, con PBS esterilizado como grupo de control. Entonces la hemolinfa fue recogida y sometida a prueba contra Staphylococcus aureus y Pseudomonas Aeruginosa respectivamente. El anillo del diámetro fue registrado para indicar las actividades antibacterianas. Resultados: Las larvas infectadas tenían mejores capacidades antibacterianas que las larvas estériles. Las actividades antibacterianas alcanzaron el punto máximo a las 24 horas y desaparecieron después de 48 horas. La hemolinfa inducida de la larva posee una actividad antibacteriana más fuerte contra S aureus que contra P aeruginosa. Conclusión: Las actividades antibacterianas de la larva de la mosca azul, Lucilia sericata, pudieron ser inducidas por un modelo de infección natural.