Variation in storage alpha-glucans of the Porphyridiales (Rhodophyta)

Storage glucans were analyzed in the Porphyridiales which include the most primitive and phylogenetically diverged species in the Rhodophyta, to understand early evolution of the glucan structure in the Rhodophyta. The storage glucans of both Galdieria sulphuraria and Cyanidium caldarium consisted of glycogen, while those of Rhodosorus marinus, Porphyridium purpureum, P. sordidum and Rhodella violacea could be defined as semi-amylopectin. X-ray diffraction analysis of the glucans demonstrated variation in the crystalline structure: the patterns in P. purpureum and R. violacea were of A- and B-types, respectively, while alpha-glucans of R. marinus and P. sordidum displayed structures with lower crystallinity. Electron microscopic observations indicated that the alpha-glucans of P. sordidum consisted of two kinds of granules; a minor component of more dense granules with crystalline leaflets and a major component of softer ones without crystalline structure. Gel permeation chromatography showed that all the species containing the semi-amylopectin-type glucans also contained amylose, although the relative amounts of this fraction were different depending on the species. Our results are consistent with two distinct evolution scenarios defined either by the independent acquisition of semi-crystalline starch-like structures in the different plant lineages or more probably by the loss of starch and reversion to glycogen synthesis in cyanidian algae growing in hot and acid environments.     

The plant defense elicitor cryptogein stimulates clathrin-mediated endocytosis correlated with reactive oxygen species production in bright yellow-2 tobacco cells

The plant defense elicitor cryptogein triggers well-known biochemical events of early signal transduction at the plasma membrane of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells, but microscopic observations of cell responses related to these early events were lacking. We determined that internalization of the lipophilic dye FM4-64, which is a marker of endocytosis, is stimulated a few minutes after addition of cryptogein to tobacco Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells. This stimulation is specific to the signal transduction pathway elicited by cryptogein because a lipid transfer protein, which binds to the same receptor as cryptogein but without triggering signaling, does not increase endocytosis. To define the nature of the stimulated endocytosis, we quantified clathrin-coated pits (CCPs) forming on the plasma membrane of BY-2 cells. A transitory stimulation of this morphological event by cryptogein occurs within the first 15 min. In the presence of cryptogein, increases in both FM4-64 internalization and clathrin-mediated endocytosis are specifically blocked upon treatment with 5 microm tyrphostin A23, a receptor-mediated endocytosis inhibitor. The kinetics of the transient increase in CCPs at the plasma membrane coincides with that of transitory reactive oxygen species (ROS) production occurring within the first 15 min after elicitation. Moreover, in BY-2 cells expressing NtrbohD antisense cDNA, which are unable to produce ROS when treated with cryptogein, the CCP stimulation is inhibited. These results indicate that the very early endocytic process induced by cryptogein in tobacco is due, at least partly, to clathrin-mediated endocytosis and is dependent on ROS production by the NADPH oxidase NtrbohD.     

Is culture a golden barrier between human and chimpanzee?

Culture pervades much of human existence. Its significance to human social interaction and cognitive development has convinced some researchers that the phenomenon and its underlying mechanisms represent a defining criterion for humankind. However, care should be taken not to make hasty conclusions in light of the growing number of observations on the cultural abilities of different species, ranging from chimpanzees and orangutans to whales and dolphins. The present review concentrates on wild chimpanzees and shows that they all possess an extensive cultural repertoire. In the light of what we know from humans, I evaluate the importance of social learning leading to acquisition of cultural traits, as well as of collective meaning of communicative traits. Taking into account cross‐cultural variations in humans, I argue that the cultural abilities we observe in wild chimpanzees present a broad level of similarity between the two species.     

Synthesis of pseudopeptides containing aza-phenylalanine surrogates of the Phe-pNA motif: Influence on the binding to the human cyclophilin hCyp-18

Summary Tripeptides bearing aza-phenylalanine derivatives Aphe-X-(4-nitrophenyl), where X is CH₂, O or NH, were synthesized starting from benzylhydrazine via a 4-step strategy. The pseudopeptides were evaluated as ligands of cyclophilin hCyp-18, an important human peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPlase), All pseudopeptides bind to hCyp-18, although only Suc-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA11 and Suc-Ala-Pro-Aphe-pNB (X=CH₂)4 are able to inhibit the PPIase activity, suggesting that they can bind to the S1-S1′ and S2′-S3′ subsites of hCyp-18 simultaneously. A circular dichroism study showed that only compounds4 and11 have β-turns conformations in 0.47 M LiCl/TFE (which favors acis-Ala-Pro conformation). In addition, the hydrazide (X=CH₂)4 as well as the aza-urea (X=NH)6 are resistant to both trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. The corresponding carbazate (X=O)10 readily reacts with alpha-chymotrypsin and is also hydrolyzed by trypsin.     

H2AX: functional roles and potential applications

Upon DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction in mammals, the histone H2A variant, H2AX, becomes rapidly phosphorylated at serine 139. This modified form, termed γ-H2AX, is easily identified with antibodies and serves as a sensitive indicator of DNA DSB formation. This review focuses on the potential clinical applications of γ-H2AX detection in cancer and in response to other cellular stresses. In addition, the role of H2AX in homeostasis and disease will be discussed. Recent work indicates that γ-H2AX detection may become a powerful tool for monitoring genotoxic events associated with cancer development and tumor progression.     

The essential role of lipids in Alzheimer's disease

In the absence of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic tools, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health concern due to longer life expectancy in the Western countries. Although the precise cause of AD is still unknown, soluble β-amyloid (Aβ) oligomers are considered the proximate effectors of the synaptic injury and neuronal death occurring in the early stages of AD. Aβ oligomers may directly interact with the synaptic membrane, leading to impairment of synaptic functions and subsequent signalling pathways triggering neurodegeneration. Therefore, membrane structure and lipid status should be considered determinant factors in Aβ-oligomer-induced synaptic and cell injuries, and therefore AD progression. Numerous epidemiological studies have highlighted close relationships between AD incidence and dietary patterns. Among the nutritional factors involved, lipids significantly influence AD pathogenesis. It is likely that maintenance of adequate membrane lipid content could prevent the production of Aβ peptide as well as its deleterious effects upon its interaction with synaptic membrane, thereby protecting neurons from Aβ-induced neurodegeneration. As major constituents of neuronal lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are of particular interest in the prevention of AD valuable diet ingredients whose neuroprotective properties could be essential for designing preventive nutrition-based strategies. In this review, we discuss the functional relevance of neuronal membrane features with respect to susceptibility to Aβ oligomers and AD pathogenesis, as well as the prospective capacities of lipids to prevent or to delay the disease.     

The Polyphenol Piceid Destabilizes Preformed Amyloid Fibrils and Oligomers In Vitro: Hypothesis on Possible Molecular Mechanisms

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by deposits of amyloid in various tissues. The neuronal cytotoxicity of Aβ peptides is attributed not only to various mechanisms but also to amyloid fibrils and soluble oligomeric intermediates. Consequently, finding molecules to prevent or reverse the oligomerization and fibrillization of Aβ could be of therapeutic value in the treatment of AD. We show that piceid, a polyphenol of the stilbene family, destabilized fibrils and oligomers to give back monomers that are not neurotoxic molecules. The mechanism of this destabilization could be a dynamic interaction between the polyphenol and the Aβ that could open the hydrophobic zipper and shift the reversible equilibrium “random coil⇔β-sheet” to the disordered structure.     

New in vitro colonic fermentation model for Salmonella infection in the child gut

In this study, a new in vitro continuous colonic fermentation model of Salmonella infection with immobilized child fecal microbiota and Salmonella serovar Typhimurium was developed for the proximal colon. This model was then used to test the effects of two amoxicillin concentrations (90 and 180 mg day⁻¹) on the microbial composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota and on Salmonella serovar Typhimurium during a 43-day fermentation. Addition of gel beads (2%, v/v) colonized with Salmonella serovar Typhimurium in the reactor resulted in a high and stable Salmonella concentration (log 7.5 cell number mL⁻¹) in effluent samples, and a concomitant increase of Enterobacteriaeceae, Clostridium coccoides–Eubacterium rectale and Atopobium populations and a decrease of bifidobacteria. During amoxicillin treatments, Salmonella concentrations decreased while microbial balance and activity were modified in agreement with in vivo data, with a marked decrease in C. coccoides–E. rectale and an increase in Enterobacteriaceae . After interruption of antibiotic addition, Salmonella concentration again increased to reach values comparable to that measured before antibiotic treatments, showing that our model can be used to simulate Salmonella shedding in children as observed in vivo . This in vitro model could be a useful tool for developing and testing new antimicrobials against enteropathogens.     

What Triggers Reproductive Life? Effects of Adolescent Cohabitation,Social Novelty and Aggression in a Monogamous Mouse

Cohabitation during childhood has been described as a powerful inhibitor of later sexual interest in animals including humans (the 'Westermarck effect'), serving as a brother–sister incest avoidance mechanism. Mound-building mice Mus spicilegus display a strong social inhibition of reproduction, responsible for the absence of reproduction in over-wintering tumuli. To better understand the mechanisms responsible for triggering reproduction in this monogamous species, we formed 100 experimental couples of juveniles (35 d) and surveyed reproduction for 45 d. As expected, very few couples reproduced, which confirms the role of social familiarity in the inhibition of reproduction. Temporary separation (1 h or 24 h) of the two partners had little effect on reproductive success. However, pairing with a new partner, with or without prior isolation, significantly triggered reproduction. Observations of the first encounter between new partners revealed more agonistic and less affiliative behaviour than in controls (reunion of familiar partners). Interestingly, when the new partner was a sibling of the previous one, the behavioural analysis revealed an intermediate level of aggression, indicating that kinship with the previous partner was perceived and had consequences on social behaviour. Mice could therefore choose a new partner based on its relatedness to the previous mate. Mutual tolerance between new partners during the dyadic encounter was negatively correlated with subsequent reproduction. These results demonstrate the paramount role of social novelty in triggering reproduction in this monogamous mouse, and suggest a link between agonistic behaviour and sexual motivation. In the field, mound-building mice may need to engage in agonistic interactions so as to overcome the long-lasting social inhibition of reproduction in overwintering mounds.