The Peculiar Facets of Nitric Oxide as a Cellular Messenger: From Disease-Associated Signaling to the Regulation of Brain Bioenergetics and Neurovascular Coupling

In this review, we address the regulatory and toxic role of ^·NO along several pathways, from the gut to the brain. Initially, we address the role on ^·NO in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration with emphasis on the possible contribution to Parkinson’s disease via mechanisms that involve its interaction with a major dopamine metabolite, DOPAC. In parallel with initial discoveries of the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by ^·NO, it became clear the potential for toxic ^·NO-mediated mechanisms involving the production of more reactive species and the post-translational modification of mitochondrial proteins. Accordingly, we have proposed a novel mechanism potentially leading to dopaminergic cell death, providing evidence that NO synergistically interact with DOPAC in promoting cell death via mechanisms that involve GSH depletion. The modulatory role of NO will be then briefly discussed as a master regulator on brain energy metabolism. The energy metabolism in the brain is central to the understanding of brain function and disease. The core role of ^·NO in the regulation of brain metabolism and vascular responses is further substantiated by discussing its role as a mediator of neurovascular coupling, the increase in local microvessels blood flow in response to spatially restricted increase of neuronal activity. The many facets of NO as intracellular and intercellular messenger, conveying information associated with its spatial and temporal concentration dynamics, involve not only the discussion of its reactions and potential targets on a defined biological environment but also the regulation of its synthesis by the family of nitric oxide synthases. More recently, a novel pathway, out of control of NOS, has been the subject of a great deal of controversy, the nitrate:nitrite:NO pathway, adding new perspectives to ^·NO biology. Thus, finally, this novel pathway will be addressed in connection with nitrate consumption in the diet and the beneficial effects of protein nitration by reactive nitrogen species.

     

Differentially expressed proteins associated with drought tolerance in bananas (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Musa</Emphasis> spp.)

Bananas are one of the most important fruits in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Each year, banana plantations expand, but the areas available are mostly dry lands. The establishment of strategies for obtaining drought tolerant cultivars depends on understanding of biological responses at genetic, molecular and biochemical levels. Proteomics is a powerful tool for functional characterization of the response of plants to abiotic stress and little is known about drought tolerance in Musa spp. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify proteins related to drought tolerance in two contrasting banana genotypes, Prata Anã and BRS Tropical, susceptible and tolerant to drought, respectively. Proteins were extracted from rhizomes of bananas grown under greenhouse conditions with control, irrigated and water deficit regimes. The differential protein expression pattern was established by two-dimensional (2-D) electrophoresis and spots analyzed in nano Q-Tof Micro UPLC. Twenty-three differentially expressed proteins were found in the tolerant genotype (BRS Tropical) under water deficit, with proteins involved in metabolism, defense and transport. Proteins were classified according to known function and biosynthetic pathways. Signaling proteins in response to water stress, especially for the biological function of growth and development of plants cells, were also encountered, whereas heat shock proteins played a significant role. This is the first report of proteomic analysis for drought tolerance in ‘Pome’ and ‘Silk-type’ bananas containing the ‘B’ genome. Our work provides insights into Musa spp. response to drought and data for further studies regarding molecular mechanisms, which determine how Musa spp. cells better overcome environmental perturbations.     

Manihot alterniflora and M. elongata spp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) and the rediscovery of M. quinquefolia in Caatinga (semiarid) vegetation in Brazil

We describe and illustrate two species of Manihot that occur in Caatinga (semiarid) vegetation in Brazil and redescribe and lectotypify M. quinquefolia Pohl, which was only known from a single collection made by J. E. B. Pohl in 1827. Manihot elongata P.Carvalho & M.Martins is widely distributed and Manihot alterniflora P.Carvalho & M.Martins is endangered because of its small populations and restricted area of occurrence. We establish M. quinquefolia as the only species of Manihot in the Caatinga with compound leaves. An identification key is provided for the 13 species of Manihot present in the Caatinga.     

Transesterification of soybean oil catalyzed by sulfated zirconia

Two sulfated zirconias were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. They were used as catalysts in the alcoholysis of soybean oil and in the esterification of oleic acid. Using sulfated zirconia prepared by the solvent-free method (S-ZrO(2)) as catalyst, the alcoholysis conversions of soybean oil under optimized conditions (120 degrees C, 1h and 5wt% of catalyst) were 98.6% (methanolysis) and 92% (ethanolysis), respectively. The esterification of oleic acid with methanol was complete after 2h. Zirconia sulfated by standard methods (SZ) had low activity in the methanolysis of soybean oil (conversion of 8.5%) and conventional zirconia (NS) was inactive for methanolysis under the conditions optimized for S-ZrO(2).     

Genotoxic activity of halogenated phenylglycine derivatives

The discovery of genotoxic amino acids derived from phenylglycine, and possessing halogen substituents, is described. The utility of hypervalent iodine reagents in the synthesis of this class of compounds is highlighted. The mechanism of action of the (haloaryl)glycines was studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.     

Nitric oxide in brain: diffusion, targets and concentration dynamics in hippocampal subregions

Nitric oxide (NO(*)) is a diffusible regulatory molecule involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological events. At the tissue level, a local and temporary increase in NO(*) concentration is translated into a cellular signal. From our current knowledge of biological synthesis and decay, the kinetics and mechanisms that determine NO(*) concentration dynamics in tissues are poorly understood. Generally, NO(*) mediates its effects by stimulating (e.g., guanylate cyclase) or inhibiting (e.g., cytochrome oxidase) transition metal-containing proteins and by post-translational modification of proteins (e.g., formation of nitrosothiol adducts). The borderline between the physiological and pathological activities of NO(*) is a matter of controversy, but tissue redox environment, supramolecular organization and compartmentalisation of NO(*) targets are important features in determining NO(*) actions. In brain, NO(*) synthesis in the dependency of glutamate NMDA receptor is a paradigmatic example; the NMDA-subtype glutamate receptor triggers intracellular signalling pathways that govern neuronal plasticity, development, senescence and disease, suggesting a role for NO(*) in these processes. Measurements of NO(*) in the different subregions of hippocampus, in a glutamate NMDA receptor-dependent fashion, by means of electrochemical selective microsensors illustrate the concentration dynamics of NO(*) in the sub-regions of this brain area. The analysis of NO(*) concentration-time profiles in the hippocampus requires consideration of at least two interrelated issues, also addressed in this review. NO(*) diffusion in a biological medium and regulation of NO(*) activity.     

Pleistocene expansion and connectivity of mesic forests inside the South American Dry Diagonal supported by the phylogeography of a small lizard*

Traditionally focused on Amazonian and Atlantic rainforests, studies on the origins of high Neotropical biodiversity have recently shifted to also investigate biodiversity processes in the South American dry diagonal, encompassing Chaco, Cerrado savannas, and Caatinga seasonally dry tropical forests. The plateau/depression hypothesis states that riparian forests in the Brazilian Shield in central Brazil are inhabited by Pleistocene lineages, with shallow divergences and signatures of population expansion. Moreover, riparian forests may have acted as a vegetation network in the Pleistocene, allowing gene/species flow across the South American dry diagonal. We tested these hypotheses using Colobosaura modesta, a small gymnophthalmid lizard from forested habitats in the Cerrado savannas and montane/submontane forests in the Caatinga. We conducted phylogeographic analyses using a multi-locus dataset, tested alternative demographic scenarios with Approximate Bayesian Computation, and also employed species delimitation tests. We recovered a history of recent colonization and expansion along riparian forests, associated with Pleistocene climate shifts, and the existence of a new species of Colobosaura restricted to the Serra do Cachimbo region. We also present evidence that riparian forests have provided an interconnected network for forest organisms within the South American dry diagonal and that Pleistocene events played an important role in their evolutionary history.