Identification of chalcone synthase genes and their expression patterns reveal pollen abortion in cotton

Chalcone synthase (CHS) is a key enzyme and producing flavonoid derivatives as well play a vital roles in sustaining plant growth and development. However, the systematic and comprehensive analysis of CHS genes in island cotton (G. barbadense) has not been reported yet especially response to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS). To fill this knowledge gap, a genome-wide investigation of CHS genes were studied in island cotton. A total of 20 GbCHS genes were identified and grouped into five GbCHSs. The gene structure analysis revealed that most of GbCHS genes consisted of two exons and one intron, and 20 motifs were identified. Twenty five pairs duplicated events (12 GbCHS genes) were identified including 23 segmental duplication pairs and two tandem duplication events, representing that GbCHS gene family amplification mainly owned to segmental duplication events and evolving slowly. Gene expression analysis exhibited that the GbCHS family genes presented a diversity expression patterns in various organs of cotton. Coupled with functional predictions and gene expression, the abnormal expression of GbCHS06, 10, 16 and 19 might be associated with pollen abortion of CMS line in island cotton. Conclusively, GbCHS genes exhibited diversity and conservation in many aspects, which will help to better understand functional studies and a reference for CHS research in island cotton and other plants.     

The emerging role of miR-200 family in metastasis: focus on EMT,CSCs, angiogenesis,and anoikis

Introduction

Cancer is the second major threat to human society and one of the main challenges facing healthcare systems. One of the main problems of cancer care is the metastases of cancer cells that cause 90% of deaths due to cancer. Multiple molecular mechanisms are involved in cancer cell metastasis. Therefore, a better understanding of these molecular mechanisms is necessary for designing restrictive strategies against cancer cell metastasis. Accumulating data suggests that MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in metastasis and invasion of human tumors through regulating multiple genes expression levels that are involved in molecular mechanisms of metastasis. The goal of this review is to present the molecular pathways by which the miR 200 family manifests its effects on EMT, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, anoikis, and the effects of tumor cell metastases.

Methods

A detailed literature search was conducted to find information about the role of the miR-200 family in the processes involved in metastasis in various databases.

Results

Numerous lines of evidence revealed an association between the mir-200 family and metastasis of human tumors by impressing processes such as cancer stem cells, EMT, angiogenesis, and anoikis.

Conclusions

Understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with metastasis in which the miR-200 family is involved can be effective in treating metastatic cancers.

Graphic abstract

     

Proteomic Profiling of the TRAF3 Interactome Network Reveals a New Role for the ER-to-Golgi Transport Compartments in Innate Immunity

Tumor Necrosis Factor receptor-associated factor-3 (TRAF3) is a central mediator important for inducing type I interferon (IFN) production in response to intracellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Here, we report the identification of Sec16A and p115, two proteins of the ER-to-Golgi vesicular transport system, as novel components of the TRAF3 interactome network. Notably, in non-infected cells, TRAF3 was found associated with markers of the ER-Exit-Sites (ERES), ER-to-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and the cis-Golgi apparatus. Upon dsRNA and dsDNA sensing however, the Golgi apparatus fragmented into cytoplasmic punctated structures containing TRAF3 allowing its colocalization and interaction with Mitochondrial AntiViral Signaling (MAVS), the essential mitochondria-bound RIG-I-like Helicase (RLH) adaptor. In contrast, retention of TRAF3 at the ER-to-Golgi vesicular transport system blunted the ability of TRAF3 to interact with MAVS upon viral infection and consequently decreased type I IFN response. Moreover, depletion of Sec16A and p115 led to a drastic disorganization of the Golgi paralleled by the relocalization of TRAF3, which under these conditions was unable to associate with MAVS. Consequently, upon dsRNA and dsDNA sensing, ablation of Sec16A and p115 was found to inhibit IRF3 activation and anti-viral gene expression. Reciprocally, mild overexpression of Sec16A or p115 in Hec1B cells increased the activation of IFNβ, ISG56 and NF-κB -dependent promoters following viral infection and ectopic expression of MAVS and Tank-binding kinase-1 (TBK1). In line with these results, TRAF3 was found enriched in immunocomplexes composed of p115, Sec16A and TBK1 upon infection. Hence, we propose a model where dsDNA and dsRNA sensing induces the formation of membrane-bound compartments originating from the Golgi, which mediate the dynamic association of TRAF3 with MAVS leading to an optimal induction of innate immune responses.     

Identification of the uvrB gene product

We have constructed plasmids carrying various restriction fragments of the biouvrB region of the Escherichia coli chromosome. By analyzing the proteins synthesized in maxicells from the uvrB⁺ plasmid pDR1494, and its derivatives containing γδ sequences inserted in the uvrB gene, we have determined that the uvrB gene is about two kilobase-pairs in length, that it is transcribed clockwise on the standard E. coli genetic map, and that it codes for a single polypeptide of M_r = 84,000. The number of uvrB polypeptides in a normal cell is estimated to be about 140.We have also found that the uvrB gene is cut by EcoRI near its promoter.     

(A)BC excinuclease: the Escherichia coli nucleotide excision repair enzyme

Nucleotide excision repair is the major pathway for removing damage from DNA. (A)BC excinuclease is the nuclease activity which initiates nucleotide excision repair in Escherichia coli. In this review, we focus on current understanding of the structure-function of the enzyme and the reaction mechanism of the repair pathway. In addition, recent biochemical studies on preferential repair of actively transcribed genes in E. coli are summarized.     

Toe-to-thumb transfer: a new technique

Our technique combines the advantages of two proven techniques of the wraparound flap and vascularized joint transfer while offering a more normal thumb, both functionally and cosmetically. Its advantages are as follows: 1. A more normal-looking thumb with good length 2. Preservation of motion through joint transfer 3. Maintenance of growth potential through transfer of vascularized epiphyses 4. Minimal donor-site morbidity     

Insight from γC1 protein model for implication in cotton leaf curl disease

DNA γ is approximately half of the size of Begomovirus DNA. It encodes a γC1 gene that is conserved in position and size. This gene has the capacity to encode a 13 to 14 kDa protein comprising 118 amino acid residues. It has been shown earlier that γC1 protein is necessary for inducing symptoms of cotton leaf curl disease. The structure for γC1 (CLCuDγ01-Pakistan) is still unknown. Therefore, a model of γC1 (CLCuDγ01-Pakistan) was developed using DoBo and I-TASSER servers followed by validation by PROCHECK and VERIFY 3D servers. The developed model provides an insight in a role for this multifunctional protein in causing Cotton Leaf Curl Disease (CLCuD). A possible function of this protein might be the suppression of RNAsilencing in cotton plants.     

Detection of somaclonal variations in tissue cultured date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) using transposable element-based markers

Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC) - In vitro regeneration of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants through somatic embryogenesis leads to the generation of somaclonal variants. The...     

4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone modulates redox signal in gamma-irradiation-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cellular exposure to ionising radiation leads to oxidative stress events, which refer to elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The elevated levels of ROS significantly contributed to γ-radiation (IR) induced cytotoxicity. In an attempt to minimise these cytotoxic effects, antioxidant compounds have been identified to counteract radiation- associated toxicities. We mainly aimed to study the protective effect of 4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone (HMB) on IR-induced nephrotoxicity, whereas it was previously shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in different inflammation models. Animals were treated orally with HMB (25?mg/kg b.wt daily) then performed by whole-body gamma-irradiation of animals with 6?Gy; a single dose applied on the 15th day and animals were sacrificed at the end of the 23rd day. It was found that IR exposure significantly induced renal oxidative injury that accompanied by inflammatory disturbance. Also, NADPH oxidase and iNOS gene expressions were significantly up-regulated, while the mitochondrial enzymes (complex I &; II) were significantly down-regulated in IR exposed animals. Additionally, Western immunoblotting analysis of signalling growth factor protein; p38 MAPK was significantly overexpressed. Interestingly, HMB treatment showed statistically significant amelioration in parameters with an improved histological structure upon the IR-induced nephrotoxicity. It can be concluded that modulation of NADPH-oxidase, iNOS and mitochondrial enzymes by HMB might be responsible for the amendment of the antioxidant status and impairment of p38 MAPK signal, thus attenuate the nephrotoxicity induced post IR exposure.     

Use of textile waste water along with liquid NPK fertilizer for production of wheat on saline sodic soils

A field experiment in collaboration with a private textile industry (Noor Fatima Fabrics Private (Ltd.), Faisalabad) was conducted to evaluate the effect of disposed water from bleaching unit, printing unit and end drain for improving growth and yield of wheat under saline sodic soil. Textile waste water along with canal water (control) was applied with and without liquid NPK fertilizer. The application of liquid NPK fertilizer with end drain waste water increased plant height, spike length, flag leaf length, root length, number of tillers (m^?2), number of fertile tillers (m^?2), 1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and biological yield up to 21, 20, 20, 44, 17, 20, 14, 44, 40 and 41%, respectively compared to canal water (control). Similarly, the NPK uptake in grain was increased up to 15, 30 and 28%, respectively by liquid fertilizer treated end drain water as compare to canal water with liquid fertilizer. Moreover, concentration of different heavy metals particularly Cu, Cr, Pb and Cd was decreased in grains by application of waste water along with liquid NPK. The result may imply that waste water application along with liquid-NPK could be a novel approach for improving growth and yield of wheat in saline sodic soils.