Identification of a Role for CLASP2 in Insulin Action

Insulin stimulates the mobilization of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) storage vesicles to the plasma membrane, resulting in an influx of glucose into target tissues such as muscle and fat. We present evidence that CLIP-associating protein 2 (CLASP2), a protein previously unassociated with insulin action, is responsive to insulin stimulation. Using mass spectrometry-based protein identification combined with phosphoantibody immunoprecipitation in L6 myotubes, we detected a 4.8-fold increase of CLASP2 in the anti-phosphoserine immunoprecipitates upon insulin stimulation. Western blotting of CLASP2 immunoprecipitates with the phosphoantibody confirmed the finding that CLASP2 undergoes insulin-stimulated phosphorylation, and a number of novel phosphorylation sites were identified. Confocal imaging of L6 myotubes revealed that CLASP2 colocalizes with GLUT4 at the plasma membrane within areas of insulin-mediated cortical actin remodeling. CLASP2 is responsible for directing the distal end of microtubules to the cell cortex, and it has been shown that GLUT4 travels along microtubule tracks. In support of the concept that CLASP2 plays a role in the trafficking of GLUT4 at the cell periphery, CLASP2 knockdown by siRNA in L6 myotubes interfered with insulin-stimulated GLUT4 localization to the plasma membrane. Furthermore, siRNA mediated knockdown of CLASP2 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes inhibited insulin-stimulated glucose transport. We therefore propose a new model for CLASP2 in insulin action, where CLASP2 directs the delivery of GLUT4 to cell cortex landing zones important for insulin action.     

Cold plasma relieved toxicity signs of nano zinc oxide in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> cayenne via modifying growth,differentiation, and physiology

Taking functional scientific devices and metal-based nanoparticles into account, the present research was carried out to evaluate the plant (Capsicum annuum) responses to cold plasma and zinc oxide nanoparticle (nZnO) in in vitro and pot conditions. Seeds were exposed to plasma (0.84 W/cm² surface power densities) with three exposure times (0, 60, and 120 s) and/or two concentrations of nZnO (0 and 100 mgl^??1). The treated seeds were cultured in hormone-free MS medium (MS) or supplemented with 2 mgl^??1 BA and 0.5 mgl^??1 IAA (MSH). The seed pre-treatment with plasma enhanced a germination process and plant early growth, in contrast with the nZnO treatment. The treatment of nZnO significantly decreased the total fresh mass and leaf area in the seedlings grown in both culture media, while its growth-delaying impact was mitigated by the plasma treatment. The chlorophyll a and carotenoid were increased to 39.35 and 32% for the plasma-treated seedlings, respectively, than the control. The plasma and/or nZnO treatments acted as effective elicitors to induce the peroxidase activities in both culture media. Similarly, the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and soluble phenols were found to be significantly higher in the plasma and/or nZnO groups in both roots and leaves. Interestingly, inhibiting effects of nZnO on xylem differentiation was alleviated by the plasma treatments. In the pot condition, soaking seeds before the plasma treatment was the most effective method to affect plant growth. This is a first report reflecting the potential benefits of the cold plasma treatment to improve plant growth and resistance to the nanoparticle.     

Non-thermal plasma improved callogenesis performance and elicited the production of cannabinoids by modifying DNA methylome,expression of WRKY1 and ERF1B transcription factors,and expression of genes that contributed to the biosynthesis of cannabinoids

Protoplasma - The current decade has witnessed notable advancement towards the utilization of non-thermal (cold) plasma in multidisciplinary fields such as plant sciences. This study intends to...     

The alleviating effects of selenium and salicylic acid in salinity exposed soybean

This research was conducted to screen various treatments of selenium (Se) and/or salicylic acid (SA) to mitigate signs of salinity on soybean. Seedlings were treated with three concentrations of Se (0, 25 and 50 mg l^?1), two concentrations of SA (0 and 0.5 mM) and/or two concentrations of NaCl (0 and 100 mM). Se and/or SA had significant enhancing and alleviating effects on the chlorophyll a (Chl a) and carotenoid contents as well as, Chl a/b in the treated plants, but had adverse effects on the Chl b concentrations. The limiting effects of salinity on leaf area and dry mass were significantly eased by the Se and/or SA among which 25 mg l^?1 Se and combined treatment of 50 mg l^?1 Se and SA were the most effective. The utilization of Se and/or SA led to the improved proline and Mg contents, compared to the control. The supplemented Se and/or SA, especially the mixed ones, resulted in a significant decrease in Na/K ratios. Se and/or SA had significant inducing effects on enzymatic (peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic (ascorbate) antioxidant system. On the basis of the obtained results, it could be stated that the foliar utilization of Se in combination with SA may be used to relieve the signs of salinity stress.     

Evaluation of Germination and Antioxidant Activity in GA3-Primed Deteriorated Wheat Seed

Russian Journal of Plant Physiology - Seed aging or deterioration is considered as one of the seed capacity reducing factors and limiting seed germination, hence, realizing the effective...     

Nitric Oxide Improved Growth and Yield in Soybean (Glycine max) by Mediating Physiological,Anatomical, and Transcriptional Modifications

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - This study investigated the physiological, molecular, and anatomical responses of soybean to the long-time utilization of nitric oxide (NO; 0 and...     

Antimicrobial resistance,virulence factors,and genotypes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Gorgan,northern Iran

International Microbiology - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial pathogen with a capacity of resistance to multiple antibiotics and production of various extracellular and...     

Non-thermal plasma modified growth and physiology in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum via</Emphasis> generated signaling molecules and UV radiation

The current research was carried out to reveal the possible impacts of cold plasma on growth and physiology of wheat, as a new approach in plant science. Short and long-term impacts of different types of plasma (nitrogen and helium) with surface power density of 0.4 W cm^-2, exposure times (15, 30, 60, and 120 s), and repetitions (1, 2, and 4 times with 24 h intervals) were evaluated. Single-time applied helium or nitrogen derived plasma significantly promoted total root and shoot lengths, in contrast to four times application, and the root system was more sensitive than the shoot one. In addition, seedlings were more sensitive to nitrogen derived plasma, compared with helium. The physiological responses to plasma treatment were analyzed via protein assay and peroxidase or phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) activities measurements. Plasma generated signaling molecules, especially ozone, nitric oxide, and/or UV radiation induced promotions in the peroxidase and PAL activities as well as increase in protein content in leaves, especially when times and/or repetitions increased. Plants were perished by the nitrogen derived plasma at the highest exposure time and number of repetitions. However, the seedlings with inhibited growth not only caught up control one month after, but even the growth rate and biomass accumulation in the shoot and leaves were accelerated. Increased leaf soluble phenol content was recorded in plasma treated seedlings, especially at longer times and more repetitions.     

Seed Priming with Cold Plasma and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Growth,Tissue Differentiation,Anatomy, and Yield in Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)

Journal of Plant Growth Regulation - This study was conducted to explore the capability of seed priming with the cold plasma and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), in order to improve growth...