Polymorphism of <Emphasis Type="Italic">CD209</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TLR3</Emphasis> genes in populations of North Eurasia

The DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3-grabbing non-integrin) and TLR3 (toll-like receptor 3) proteins are key effectors of the innate immunity and particularly play an important role in the organism’s antiviral defense as pattern-recognition receptors. Previously, we demonstrated that certain genotypes and alleles of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs2287886 (G/A) in the promoter region of the CD209 gene (encoding DC-SIGN) and rs3775291 (G/A, Leu412Phe) in the exon 4 of the TLR3 gene are associated with human predisposition to tick-borne encephalitis in the Russian population. In the present work, the distribution of genotype and allele frequencies for these SNPs was studied in seven populations of North Eurasia, including Caucasians (Russians and Germans (from Altai region)), Central Asian Mongoloids (Altaians, Khakass, Tuvinians, and Shorians), and Arctic Mongoloids (Chukchi). It was found that the CD209 gene rs2287886 SNP A/A genotype and A allele, as well as the TLR3 gene rs3775291 SNP G/G genotype and G allele (the frequencies of which in our previous studies were increased in tick-borne encephalitis patients as compared with the population control (Russian citizens of Novosibirsk)), are preserved with a high frequency in Central Asian Mongoloids (who for a long time regularly came in contact with tick-borne encephalitis virus in places of their habitation). We suggested that predisposition to tick-borne encephalitis in Central Asian Mongoloid populations can be predetermined by a different set of genes and their polymorphisms than in the Russian population.     

Identification and comparative analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis> pathogenesis-related genes in response to hormonal,biotic and abiotic stresses

Pathogenesis-related proteins (PRs) are the antimicrobial proteins which are commonly used as signatures of defense signaling pathways and systemic acquired resistance. However, in Brassica juncea most of the PR proteins have not been fully characterized and remains largely enigmatic. In this study, full-length cDNA sequences of SA (PR1, PR2, PR5) and JA (PR3, PR12 and PR13) marker genes were isolated from B. juncea and were named as BjPR proteins. BjPR proteins showed maximum identity with known PR proteins of Brassica species. Further, expression profiling of BjPR genes were investigated after hormonal, biotic and abiotic stresses. Pre-treatment with SA and JA stimulators downregulates each other signature genes suggesting an antagonistic relationship between SA and JA in B. juncea. After abscisic acid (ABA) treatment, SA signatures were downregulated while as JA signature genes were upregulated. During Erysiphe cruciferarum infection, SA- and JA-dependent BjPR genes showed distinct expression pattern both locally and systemically, thus suggesting the activation of SA- and JA-dependent signaling pathways. Further, expression of SA marker genes decreases while as JA-responsive genes increases during drought stress. Interestingly, both SA and JA signature genes were induced after salt stress. We also found that BjPR genes displayed ABA-independent gene expression pattern during abiotic stresses thus providing the evidence of SA/JA cross talk. Further, in silico analysis of the upstream regions (1.5 kb) of both SA and JA marker genes showed important cis-regulatory elements related to biotic, abiotic and hormonal stresses.     

Comparison <Emphasis Type="Italic">CCR5del32</Emphasis> Mutation in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">CCR5</Emphasis> Gene Frequencies in Russians,Tuvinians, and in Groups of HIV-Infected Individuals

The 32-bp deletion (CCR5del32 mutation) in the CCR5 (chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5) gene, encoding CCR5 chemokine receptor, is one of the factors determining natural resistance to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection. In the present study, the samples of Russians (n = 102), Tuvinians (n = 50), and HIV-infected individuals (n = 107) were examined for the presence of CCR5del32 mutation in the CCR5 gene. The CCR5del32 allele frequency in Russians and Tuvinians constituted 7.84 and 2%, respectively. Among HIV-1 infected individuals, two groups, of macrophage-tropic HIV-1 strain- and T-cell-tropic HIV-1 strain-infected were distinguished. The CCR5del32 allele frequency in the first group (6.45%) was lower than in the second one (8.73%). Statistical treatment of the HIV-1 infected individuals typing data showed that the difference in the CCR5del32 allele frequencies between the groups of sexually (macrophage-tropic) and parenterally (T-cell-tropic) infected individuals observed was within the limit of random deviation.     

Association of polymorphic markers of chemokine genes,their receptors,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">CD14</Emphasis> gene with coronary atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis represents an inflammatory response to the disturbance of the endothelial layer in the arterial bloodstream. In the present study, an analysis of associations of polymorphic markers for the genes controlling synthesis of proteins involved in atherosclerosis pathogenesis in coronary atherosclerosis (CA) patients (217 subjects) and in a control group (250 subjects) was conducted. The following genes were examined: rs991804 (CCL2 gene), rs1126579 (CXCR2 gene), rs4074 (CXCL1 gene), rs4073 (CXCL8 gene), rs333 (CCR5 gene), rs2471859 (CXCR4 gene), rs1801157 (CXCL12 gene), and rs2569190 (CD14 gene). Using the Monte Carlo and Markov chain (APSampler) method, allele/genotype combinations associated with both low and high CA risk were revealed. The most important findings included the following: CXCR4*T/T + CCL2*C + CCR5*I/I (P_perm = 1 × 10^–6, OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.3–0.63), CXCR2*C + CD14*C + CXCL12*G + CCL2*C + CCR5*D (P_perm = 4 × 10^–6, OR = 5.78, 95% CI 2.34–14.28), CD14*C + CCL2*C/C + CCR5*D (P_perm = 6.3 × 10^–6, OR = 5.81, 95% CI 2.17–15.56), CXCL8*A + CXCR2*C + CD14*T + CXCR4*C (P_perm = 0.01, OR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.63–6.31).     

Functional characterization of duplicated B-class MADS-box genes in Japanese gentian

Key message

The heterodimer formation between B-class MADS-box proteins of GsAP3a and GsPI2 proteins plays a core role for petal formation in Japanese gentian plants.

Abstract

We previously isolated six B-class MADS-box genes (GsAP3a, GsAP3b, GsTM6, GsPI1, GsPI2, and GsPI3) from Japanese gentian (Gentiana scabra). To study the roles of these MADS-box genes in determining floral organ identities, we investigated protein–protein interactions among them and produced transgenic Arabidopsis and gentian plants overexpressing GsPI2 alone or in combination with GsAP3a or GsTM6. Yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation analyses revealed that among the GsPI proteins, GsPI2 interacted with both GsAP3a and GsTM6, and that these heterodimers were localized to the nuclei. The heterologous expression of GsPI2 partially converted sepals into petaloid organs in transgenic Arabidopsis, and this petaloid conversion phenomenon was accelerated by combined expression with GsAP3a but not with GsTM6. In contrast, there were no differences in morphology between vector-control plants and transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GsAP3a or GsTM6 alone. Transgenic gentian ectopically expressing GsPI2 produced an elongated tubular structure that consisted of an elongated petaloid organ in the first whorl and stunted inner floral organs. These results imply that the heterodimer formation between GsPI2 and GsAP3a plays a core role in determining petal and stamen identities in Japanese gentian, but other B-function genes might be important for the complete development of petal organs.

     

Plant DNA methyltransferase genes: Multiplicity,expression, methylation patterns

Expression and methylation patterns of genes encoding DNA methyltransferases and their functionally related proteins were studied in organs of Arabidopsis thaliana plants. Genes coding for the major maintenance-type DNA methyltransferases, MET1 and CMT3, and the major de novo-type DNA methyltransferase, DRM2, are actively expressed in all organs. Similar constitutively active expression was observed for genes encoding their functionally related proteins, a histone H3K9 methyltransferase KYP and a catalytically non-active protein DRM3. Expression of the MET1 and CMT3 genes is significantly lower in developing endosperm compared with embryo. Vice versa, expression of the MET2a, MET2b, MET3, and CMT2 genes in endosperm is much more active compared with embryo. A special maintenance DNA methylation system seems to operate in endosperm. The DNMT2 and N6AMT genes encoding putative methyltransferases are constitutively expressed at low levels. CMT1 and DRM1 genes are expressed rather weakly in all investigated organs. Most of the studied genes have methylation patterns conforming to the “body-methylated gene” prototype. A peculiar feature of the MET family genes is methylation at all three possible site types (CG, CHG, and CHH). The most weakly expressed among genes of their respective families, CMT1 and DRM1, are practically unmethylated. The MET3 and N6AMT genes have unusual methylation patterns, promoter region, and most of the gene body devoid of any methylation, and the 3'-end proximal part of the gene body is highly methylated.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of the family of feline leucine-rich glioma-inactivated (LGI) genes,and mutational analysis in familial spontaneous epileptic cats

Background

Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated (LGI) proteins play a critical role in synaptic transmission. Dysfunction of these genes and encoded proteins is associated with neurological disorders such as genetic epilepsy or autoimmune limbic encephalitis in animals and human. Familial spontaneous epileptic cats (FSECs) are the only feline strain and animal model of familial temporal lobe epilepsy. The seizure semiology of FSECs comprises recurrent limbic seizures with or without evolution into generalized epileptic seizures, while cats with antibodies against voltage-gated potassium channel complexed/LGI1 show limbic encephalitis and recurrent limbic seizures. However, it remains unclear whether the genetics underlying FSECs are associated with LGI family genes. In the present study, we cloned and characterized the feline LGI1–4 genes and examined their association with FSECs. Conventional PCR techniques were performed for cloning and mutational analysis. Characterization was predicted using bioinformatics software.

Results

The cDNAs of feline LGI1–4 contained 1674-bp, 1650-bp, 1647-bp, and 1617-bp open reading frames, respectively, and encoded proteins comprising 557, 549, 548, and 538 amino acid residues, respectively. The feline LGI1–4 putative protein sequences showed high homology with Homo sapiens, Canis familiaris, Bos taurus, Sus scrofa, and Equus caballus (92%–100%). Mutational analysis in 8 FSECs and 8 controls for LGI family genes revealed 3 non-synonymous and 14 synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in the coding region. Only one non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in LGI4 was found in 3 out of 8 FSECs. Using three separate computational tools, this mutation was not predicted to be disease causing. No co-segregation of the disease was found with any variant.

Conclusions

We cloned the cDNAs of the four feline LGI genes, analyzed the amino acid sequences, and revealed that epilepsy in FSEC is not a monogenic disorder associated with LGI genes.

     

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of sulphate transporter (<Emphasis Type="Italic">SULTR</Emphasis>) genes under sulfur deficiency in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachypodium distachyon</Emphasis>

Sulphur is an important mineral element for plant growth and development. It involves in a number of metabolic processes with crucial functions. This study has performed a genome-wide analysis of sulfate transporter (SULTR) genes in Brachypodium distachyon. Ten putative SULTR genes were identified in Brachypodium genome. BdSULTR genes included 6–17 exons encoding a protein of 647–693 residues with basic nature. BdSULTR proteins included both sulfate_transp (PF00916) and STAS (PF01740) domains. BdSULTRs were classified into 4 groups based on the phylogenetic distribution. Promoter regions of all BdSULTR genes, except for BdSULTR3;3 and 3;5 included the SURECOREATSULTR11 elements. A considerable structural overlap was identified between superimposed SULTR1;3 and 3;1 proteins, indicating that SULTR1 members may also involve in plant stress response/tolerance like SULTR3 members. Microarray and RNA-Seq analyses also revealed the differential expression of SULTR 1 and 3 genes under different biotic/abiotic stresses. Protein–protein interaction partners of BdSULTRs were mainly related with adenylyl-sulfate kinases, 5′-adenylylsulfate reductases, ATP sulfurylases, and acyl carrier proteins. Moreover, expression profiles of identified BdSULTR genes under S-deficiency were analyzed using RT-qPCR. It was revealed that BdSULTR1;1 and 3;1 are highly expressed in plant roots as ~tenfold and ~fivefold, respectively, while BdSULTR2 (~15-fold) and 3;1 (~twofold) are abundantly expressed in leaf tissues.     

Molecular characterization and subcellular localization of salt-inducible lipid transfer proteins in rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a salt-sensitive species. Salt stress can cause injury to the plant cellular membrane. Plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) are abundant lipid binding proteins that are important in membrane vesicle biogenesis and trafficking, however, the biological importance of LTPs on salt-stress response in rice remains unclear. Therefore, salt-responsive rice LTPs were identified and characterized in this study. Microarray analysis showed seven genes positively regulated by salinity, including five Ltp genes (LtpII.3, LtpII.5, LtpII.6, LtpV.1, and LtpV.2) and two Ltp-like (LtpL; LtpL1, and LtpL2) genes. Amino acid alignment revealed that all these Ltp and LtpL genes contained the N-terminal signal peptide. Apart from LtpL1, all salt-inducible Ltp genes had the conserved eight cysteine residue motifs backbone. Verification of gene expression to different stimuli in rice seedlings revealed that salt-regulated Ltp genes differentially responded to drought, cold, H₂O₂, abscisic acid (ABA) and CaCl₂. Furthermore, the expression of Ltp and LtpL genes was tissue-specifically regulated by ABA-dependent and independent pathway. In silico analysis of a 1.5-kb 5’-upstream region of these genes showed regulatory cis-elements associated with ABA, calcium, and cold/drought responses. Three LtpII subfamily genes, including LtpII.3, LtpII.5, and LtpII.6, were strictly expressed in flowers and seeds, and LtpIII.1 mRNA strongly accumulated in stem tissue. Subcellular localization analysis of LTP-DsRed fusion proteins revealed that the five LTPs and two LTPLs localized at the endoplasmic reticulum. The results provide new clues to further understanding the biological functions of Ltp genes.     

Comprehensive identification of LMW-GS genes and their protein products in a common wheat variety

Although it is well known that low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) from wheat affect bread and noodle processing quality, the function of specific LMW-GS proteins remains unclear. It is important to find the genes that correspond to individual LMW-GS proteins in order to understand the functions of specific proteins. The objective of this study was to link LMW-GS genes and haplotypes characterized using well known Glu-A3, Glu-B3, and Glu-D3 gene-specific primers to their protein products in a single wheat variety. A total of 36 LMW-GS genes and pseudogenes were amplified from the Korean cultivar Keumkang. These include 11 Glu-3 gene haplotypes, two from the Glu-A3 locus, two from the Glu-B3 locus, and seven from the Glu-D3 locus. To establish relationships between gene haplotypes and their protein products, a glutenin protein fraction was separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) and 17 protein spots were analyzed by N-terminal amino acid sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). LMW-GS proteins were identified that corresponded to all Glu-3 gene haplotypes except the pseudogenes. This is the first report of the comprehensive characterization of LMW-GS genes and their corresponding proteins in a single wheat cultivar. Our approach will be useful to understand the contributions of individual LMW-GS to the end-use quality of flour.